Church Society - Issues - Ecumenical

Issues | Ecumenical | The Church of Rome has erred

Introduction

The differences between the Roman Catholic and the various protestant Churches centres on two fundamental issues that strike at the very heart of religion. These two issues have many practical consequences and help explain some of the history of the division between the churches.

The most important question any individual faces is how they can be right with God. How can you enter heaven?

The word used to describe how someone can be 'right' with God is Justification. The differences regarding the doctrine of justification have been described as the ‘formal cause’ of the Reformation.

But, if we want to know the answer to these questions, then this raises an even deeper question on the nature of Authority. How can we be confident that a particular teaching about salvation is true? On what authority does it rest. The matter of authority has been described as the 'material cause' of the Reformation.

Continued... - the main issues

Article XIX of the 39 Articles of Religion

As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.