But they accept these things because the magisterium tells them to on the basis of tradition. It is not a problem of interpreting Scripture.
These are sects which distort the Scriptures.
you will discover that they all have the same basic doctrines. their differences are minor (even when they don't think so)
the answer is NONE.
we all believe in intelligent design.
Actually in my view it is unimportant. I worship with both kinds.
But only on what are really minor issues.
well its clear to me and to large numbers of Christians who fellowship together whatever their 'protestant' denomination
Valiant, I lack your cut-paste-quoting skills.
You are right that
much of the dogma dividing RCs and Proddies does not arise from "scripture" - but far from
all.
They
do try to justify their stance on penance, confession, transubstantiation and a whole heap of other stuff on
their version of the bible.
All those sects which you say distort the scripture actually supports my case - what you call '
distort', others call '
interpretation'.
Of the denominations I listed, and there are hundreds (or even thousands) more, half-an-hour's Googling will reveal basic differences
even on the means of salvation - probably not considered 'minor' by many.
................................................................................................................................
You might be surprised how many Christians believe in
reincarnation. Perhaps not many as part of their church dogma - but belief nonetheless.
One survey (which I could probably track down if you insist) reckons 30%-40%.
Several Christian denominations which support reincarnation include the Christian Community, the Liberal Catholic Church, Unity Church, The Christian Spiritualist Movement, the Rosicrucian Fellowship, The Orthodox Catholic Church and others.
I actually was quite involved in one such group for several years.
And there is some biblical support for it
"This is the one ... there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.... And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 11:11-15).
"And the disciples asked him, saying, 'Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?' But he answered them and said, 'Elijah indeed is to come and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also shall the Son of Man suffer at their hand.' Then the disciples understood that he had spoken of John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:10-13)
"But I tell you, Elijah has come." (Mark 9:13)
"And as he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who has sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jesus answered, 'Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents, but the works of God were to be made manifest in him.'" (John 9:1)Malachi 1:2-3and Romans 9:11-13 both state that God loved Jacob, but hate Esau even before they were born.
These verses are highly suggestive of the pre-existence of Esau, a necessary tenet associated with reincarnation.
Also, Josephus tells us that both the Essenes and the Pharisees were into reincarnation.
As were the esteemed church fathers Origen, St Jerome and others -
and the Gnostics and later the Cathars.
sorry - got carried away on that one - the other stuff will have to wait.