Adversus Romam (“Against Rome”) #1

First Vatican Council 1869-70

Now since the decree on the interpretation of holy scripture, profitably made by the council of Trent, with the intention of constraining rash speculation, has been wrongly interpreted by some, we renew that decree and declare its meaning to be as follows: that in matters of faith and morals, belonging as they do to the establishing of Christian doctrine, that meaning of holy scripture must be held to be the true one, which holy mother church held and holds, since it is her right to judge of the true meaning and interpretation of holy scripture. In consequence, it is not permissible for anyone to interpret holy scripture in a sense contrary to this, or indeed against the unanimous consent of the fathers.

First Vatican Council 2:8–9

In layman’s terms. Chapter Two “On Revelation”, paragraph’s 8-9 of the decrees of the First Vatican Council1 state that the Roman Catholic Church is the exclusive and only true interpreter of Holy Scripture. Furthermore, the decree goes on to state that is is “not permissible” (read: forbidden) for anyone to interpret scripture in any sense that is contrary to the official Roman Catholic interpretation.

If this statement is true, the Roman Catholic Church has greater authority than Holy Scripture. It is the Roman Church that determines what Scripture means, not Scripture that determines how God’s church should operate.

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:8 ESV

I submit that most followers of Roman Catholicism are unaware of the official positions of the Church of Rome.

Clarity over agreement.

  1. https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum20.htm

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