Luther did not understand the book of James just like today so many think he contradicts Paul he does not.
Works have no role whatsoever in salvation
The Catholic Church preaches a false Gospel...actually it preaches no Gospel
And criticizing their rhetoric and their canon has nothing to do whatsoever with how one regards the parishioners and the clergy as individuals.
And beyond that the "institution" has been the author of much evil in this world ...it does not take much to do the research.
And beyond that the "institution" has been the author of much evil in this world ...it does not take much to do the research.
On the idea of evil. It is true that the institution has historically committed much evil in the world. Just curious do you judge that from the actions of historical figures or their religious texts?
For example you will hear the argument that Christians have committed much evil in the world. But we stop and ask do we judge the religion based on the actions of individuals or by what the religion teaches?
Obviously we judge the religion based on what it teaches because anyone could commit evil or fall from what the Bible says. But just because a follower committed evil doesn't make the religion evil.
Another example. You often hear Islam is the religion of peace. Well much evil is committed in its name but what does their so claimed holy texts say? Of course most of us know that in the Quran, Hadiths, and the Seerah they do record to commit jihad on unbelievers especially Jews and Christians.