Early Trigger

Originally posted to Irresistably Drawn, Summer 2005:

"We are confronted with the fact that there exists in the world today an institution that enjoys two thousand years of historical continuity with the Church of the Apostles of Jesus Christ and that claims to speak and act with the authority of God. This institution claims that the fullness of the Church of Jesus Christ is visibily realized in communion with the Bishop of Rome. It claims that the Bishop of Rome enjoys universal jurisdiction and authority over all particular Churches of the one Church. And it claims that the Bishop of Rome, speaking ex cathedra, can bind the consciences of all Christians on matters of doctrine and morals, in the confidence that the Holy Spirit will protect the Supreme Pontiff from grievous and irretrievable error." - Alvin Kimel of Pontifications

The reality of this "confrontation" struck me particularly well when I first read it. It cannot be denied that these claims are made. For some time, I have readily acknowledged the objective Christianity which is present in Catholicism and I have considered Catholics as brothers and sisters in Christ. This has put me in a position such that I have to address these claims. I either embrace them as true by faith, or I reject them as heresy.

I am a cradle Protestant who has been given a "high" view of the Church. What do I do with history, authority, the claims of the Catholic Church, etc.?

Welcome to "Irresistably Drawn." My new blog, begun to record my dealings with Catholic claims.