[Hookbill the Goomba]

I do not mean to offend; it’s just what I think. Not that what I think is often reliable... or listened to...

Mithalwen, my statements were based on what I have observed. The term 'saved' is what my father uses to refer to his actual payer, as while he was brought up, his parents never brought this to his attention. I do know that Catholics are taught that being saved is essential, it was just my grandparents were a little set in their ways and were huge believers in the traditions rather than the Bible. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with holding a few traditions, when those traditions divert from scripture and start to take centre stage, then I tend to get a little nervous and sometimes objective because of what the Bible says.

Access to the bible in English meant that people could read and make up their own minds and reduced the power of the priests as instructors and sole interpreters of Holy Writ....... how ironic that fundamentalist protestants now seek to limit access to books. La plus ca change .............

This is where I agree with you. As John the Baptist says, "I must decrease as he increases." Giving power over other people's spiritual life is dangerous, and I belive it is unscriptural (a la, Church of the Nicolitians). I have heard many people liken it to the Babylonian teachings regarding how the priests should be the soul interpreters ect, ect. But this causes arguments and things are broken, and I cannot fully see the connection.

I did not mean to be insulting, and I do not call people who hold other belief systems to me, ignorant. I hold my beliefs due to the evidence I have witnessed and experienced.

clearly you belong to a "bible based" denomination

I wouldn't say that. I wasn't brought up in a church that was particularly Bible based. I formulated my opinions from reading scripture and studying it. I find it fascinating, personally, and it only gives me a desire to go out and tell others about Christ. As Christians are commanded to "Go into all the world and make disciples of every creature". Besides, I do not like the term "Denomination", we are all one church, its just many people worship in different ways. If people prefer the more traditionalist way, then it is good for them if they are saved. Catholic or protestant, you can still be saved. I do not believe the Bible teaches different.

Hem... I think we are moving off topic here, so before the Barrow Wight closes this thread, I'd better finish on topic...

So, moving swiftly on, Harry Potter has not been banned in my Church, but children who read it are advised to take caution because of its witchcraft-based narrative. All in all, I am always going to be of the opinion that The Lord of the Rings is a better book... Ye Downers agree?