A lot of Catholic objections seem to come down to the same concern: Jesus should be enough.
I agree with that concern. Jesus is the only Savior and the one mediator. The question I am asking is whether Catholic practices replace him or whether Catholics believe he works through his Body, the Church.
WHAT I AM STUDYING
I am working through Church authority, Scripture and Tradition, the saints, Mary, confession, papal authority, purgatory, and grace, faith, and works.
For confession, I am looking at John 20:21–23 and the ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5. For intercession, I am comparing asking Christians on earth to pray with the Catholic belief that Christians in heaven remain alive in Christ.
A FEW THINGS I AM LEARNING
The official Catholic explanation is usually more Christ-centered than the version I have heard criticized.
That does not prove each doctrine. It does mean I need to test the actual claim instead of the caricature.
WHAT I AM STILL UNSURE ABOUT
Confession, papal authority, and purgatory still need more careful study. I understand the framework better, but understanding is not the same as being convinced.
WHAT I WANT TO LOOK AT NEXT
Mary remains the hardest area, especially the doctrines that are defined much later.