Oh I do have much knowledge of Roman Catholic history and somehow that is a little intimidating to you.. why else do you need me to stop talking.
Grace mediated by priests ... wrong
Belief in the articles of faith saves no one
.... amazing anyone can defend what is indefensible
The Catholic Encyclopedia discusses the nature and functions of the sacraments as follows:
It is necessary to set forth the essential elements of a sacrament. These are: (a) a sensible sign instituted by God, which gives sanctifying grace; (b) both matter and form present with each sacrament; the matter is the material used, the form the accompanying words and action; and (c) a minister, someone authorized to give the sacrament with the intention of doing what the Church intends…. the sacraments produce grace…. Sanctifying grace is given by reason of the rite itself (ex opere operato), and grace is not given if the sacrament if not received with the necessary moral disposition. In addition, each sacrament confers a special grace, called sacramental grace. As defined by the Council of Trent, it is the teaching of the Catholic Church, that every one of the sacraments of the New Law was instituted by Christ…. Vatican II declares: “The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ, and finally to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct.”
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