Denominations within Protestantism have their differing guiding principles. There's the "sola fides" crowd, and the "sola scriptura" group. Ask around and you'll discover the "sola gratia" cartel, some who ascribe to "solo Christo" (or "solus Christus") and even those who believe "soli Deo gloria". All rotten fruits of the Protestant Reformation, none of which are sufficient in and of themselves for salvation.
I'd like to add a sixth - a rotten fruit of the "Spirit of Vatican II", applicable to the covens of progressive Catholics: "sola conscientia"....by conscience alone.
These folks believe that by virtue of following their conscience, they can still be considered faithful Catholics, even as they deny any Truth proposed by the Church.
Artificial contraception? No problem! After having thought deep thoughts, and having concluded that the Church has no business meddling in the bedroom, and it's high time the Church treated them like adults in such a personal matter, then it's okay to pop the Pill or slap on a condom. They're acting in good faith according to their conscience - ergo, they're faithful Catholics.
Homosexual behavior? What's the big deal? After having thought deep thoughts, and having concluded that since God is love, and they love their same-sex partner, then it's high time the Church got with the times and accepted the fact that love is love, and homosexuals have the right to love whomever they want in whatever way that they want. They're acting in good faith according to their conscience - ergo, they're faithful Catholics.
Premarital sex and cohabitation? These are problems? After having thought deep thoughts, and having concluded that Jesus loves everyone and doesn't judge people, then the Church just has to get with the modern age. It can't be wrong if so many people are doing it. They're acting in good faith according to their conscience - ergo, they're faithful Catholics.
Abortion? And voting for pro-abort candidates? No biggies! After having thought deep thoughts, and having concluded that women have a right to choose, and there are so many extenuating circumstances to consider, and that it really comes down to political and economic reasons, then the Church has to shut up and stay out of people's personal choices and the political arena. They're acting in good faith according to their conscience - ergo, they're faithful Catholics.
Sadly, these people won't be saved by their consciences. Rather, they could be damned by them. In reality, our consciences were created in order to help keep us on the narrow path to salvation, but if we refuse to form them correctly, we will quickly find ourselves on the wide road to perdition.
Satan's desire is to trick us into thinking we can save ourselves. He still tempts us today, just as he tempted Eve with the fruit of the tree in the Garden of Eden. The fruits he uses in our age are our intellects and our egos. He reveals to us the results of our advancements and our progress, saying: "See how smart you are? You don't need a Church to tell you how to live!" And so many fall for the lie - a lie that anyone is capable of believing, especially if the conscience is improperly formed. The fruits Satan tempts with are rotten fruits - incapable of sustaining life; rather, offering only weakness, sickness and ultimately death.
"Sola conscientia". A fancy way of saying Pride.
Instant "Acts"ess
