One cannot help but be a Catholic,after reading Kelly

[tralon]

After reading much of J.N.D.Kelly's book, "Early Christian Doctrines", how can one not be a Catholic? His book completely covers the early sacramental beliefs of the early church, concerning baptism, the Eucharist,the communion of the saints, penance, etc. It is the most interesting, easy to read and complete book I've ever read. The question remains, how can one remain a Protestant at all, after reading his book. What do you say? Thanks

[Solly]

I have it but yet to read it. However, I did read a lot of John Henry Newman a few years back, and it could be said, almost thou persuadest me to be a catholic. But only almost.
I read catholic theology and stuff, I read some Eastern orthodox (and it must be said I read protestant stuff in the same vein) and then I look at my Bible, and I do not see that 'this is that'. I do not see Vaticans and Popes, and Vestments, and Icons, and holy substances, and priests, and hocus pocus, and Saints and canonisation, and all the rest of the stuff that has built up over the centuries, and forms the basis of man made religion mimicking old testament institutions without knowledge.
Sorry. Almost, but never enough. I have the depest respect for people like Nouwen, Therese of Lisieux, Newman, Arseny, Ware, etc, but I cannot follow them.

[Faramir]

This thread has been moved to Ecclesiology. I know Ecclesiology and Eschatology are right next to each other, and look alike to my old eyes anyway. I often click the wrong forum myself.

Note: This is a moderator notice, but for some reason the notice tags would not work. :shrug: