While I am somewhat hesitant to address Roman Catholics because we agree with them on a number of significant doctrinal issues (the trinity, the virgin birth, the return of Christ), I must! For one reason there is wide variance of beliefs among Catholics... just as with Protestants. It isn't the label that is going to make the difference...I am sure there will be Protestants, Catholics and others who miss heaven...so we ALL do well to be sure where we are headed, regardless of what label we wear.

My basic question is: Does the Church (including the Popes, bulls, councils,, the traditions) deserve to be considered the AUTHORITY for your faith in addition to the Bible? If the two were always in agreement, there would be no need for the question. But I believe the differences can be significant enough to relate to our very salvation. So I pray you will take heed. Rather than re-invent the wheel, I found two sites that tell it like it is in exposing the problems of Roman Catholicism. The reason for my question about authority is spelled out at the following site: www.reaching catholics.org/pastpopes.html I beg you to read it. The WHOLE of the site by Mary Collins, a former num, is excellent, and deals knowledgeably and kindly with many many facets of Roman Catholicism. PLEASE read her presentation at www.catholicconcerns.com Why? The warning of Jesus Christ to beware of false prophets, and (I Thess. 5:21) to test or prove all things should be applied to EVERY Christian who has placed his or her confidence in ANYTHING other than or beyond the Bible, and Christ Himself. Please understand - - I am not trying to undermine anyone's faith in God or Christ or the cross... instead I want to BUILD UP our faith in the things God WANTS us to have deep faith in! My question involves things other than your faith in God and Christ! One's faith is no better than the OBJECT of that faith. All the faith in the world in a leaky boat won't help; but just enough faith in a sea-worthy boat (enough to climb in) is all it takes to be "saved". Make sure of what you are trusting in!