Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 10/2/2008

Question
Obviously, everything stated in this blog are Catholic's perspective. Please tell me why Martin Luther left the Roman Catholic Church? Was it not because he witnessed wrong doings among the high officials of the church by contradicting the Holy Bible to accomplished their human ambitions? How can a believer in Christ believed in church officials (pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, etc . . . etc) if they keep making their own church dogmas contrary to the Bible. For example: Can you tell me where it is stated that Mary is the mediator between God and men?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Peace


Dear Cris-
  There are several reasons why, Luther left the Church. I feel that are two primary reasons: pride mixed with despair.
   The Catholic Church's leadership doesn't keep adding/changing dogmas.The way you used the word: dogma, it seem you may not understand the general Catholic use of the word. For us it means a definitive doctrine of the Church binding on everyone, who calls themselves Catholics. Dogmatic pronouncements are rare. Not all doctrines of the Church are dogmas; yet all Dogmas are doctrines of the Church.
  I say pride because He claimed: Sola Scriptura as his rule of Faith, yet its nowhere taught with Sacred Scriptures. When someone disagreed with his doctrinal understanding, he declared them a heretic or worst.So  was he infallible. Catholics say no man is infallible, however we believe the Church itself is. The bishop of Rome and the other bishops of the Church, as the magisterium of the Church, under strict and distinct manner can proclaim the Gospel without error. I can explain this in more detail if you write again.

Question.Is Mary a mediator between God and man? Are you asking Can Mary  be our female savior? Catholics say a very strong no!!!! She is a mere creature, a female human being that was granted special graces to fulfill her mission in life. We all receive graces to fulfill our missions. We also are promised rewards if we are faithful in our mission in life.

Can Mary pray for us? Catholics say yes. Even Luther and Calvin taught she could. Again if you want more details write me again.

    your servant but Christ's first
            George