The Catholic Church of Christ?

by Perry Hall

I was asked this question: "Why is Catholicism wrong?"

Here is my short reply: "One reason is it equates church tradition and inspiration. They are not equal in authority."

In theory, most of us in "churches of Christ" would agree - in theory. In practice, are we unofficially guilty?

When someone objects, "We've never done it that way", are they using Scripture or "Church Tradition"?

When someone objects to changing how something is traditionally done and threatens to leave, are they ruled by Scripture or "Church Tradition"?

When someone objects based upon their conscience to something that is biblically right, admittedly, we must not offend (i.e., cause to sin). However, they need to ask, "Is my conscience trained more by Scripture or 'Church Tradition'"?

Summing up, let us all ask, "Which do we know better: God's Scriptures or our church traditions?" If the latter, could that lead to committing the same error as the Catholics? If so, could we be unofficial "Catholic Church of Christ" members?