Faith Alone (Religious Debate Part I)

Days ago, I paid a visit to my friend for rounds of beer and exchange techniques in home cooking. Every time I go to his house, there is always a political discussion or exchange of ideas if you will. The more beer we have, the better ideas come out. After all, our drinking spree is “professional”.

Never in my wildest expectation that on that day, I was forced to discuss (We Filipinos prefer to use the term “debate”.) with someone on issues about faith or religion.

She was prolific in quoting Biblical verses to stress her point while I could only mention stories in the Bible and not sure where exactly they are.

I wish to blog the discussion issue by issue through installment in easy to understand and simplified form based from our discussion.

BIBLE

Dora (not her real name) claims that the King James Bible is the true (sic) Bible.

Is she saying that the Catholic Bible is false or fraudulent? Before the English Reformation in 1500s, there were no Protestants. Protestant comes from the verb “protest” meaning to dissent or to refuse.

They refuse the Apocrypha as part of the Bible Canon because in there (Machabees) lies the basis of the doctrine of praying for the dead and others the Reformists refused to believe. Even if they don’t believe in praying for the dead, for centuries our forefathers in faith practiced it and I don’t believe that it is bad to do that now.

SOLA FIDE (Faith Alone)

Dora said that we are saved through faith and not through good works. Is she saying that as long as one has faith, s/he is saved? St. Paul says that faith without charity is useless. Christ said, whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren you did it unto me. Then He said, “Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward.” What reward then is Jesus talking about?

Not one single verse in the Bible supports “faith alone” doctrine. St. Paul is correct while Martin Luther is wrong.

MARY

I heard that Mary is not necessary for salvation. Christ alone can save us.

I agree with that perfectly but Mary plays an important role. What if she said NO to the angel during the annunciation; would there be Jesus who gave up His life so that we may live? As full of grace, called by all generations blessed, and mother of God, can she not intercede for us to her Son?

During the wedding in Cana, one goes to Mary telling her that there was no more wine and in turn Mary went to Jesus telling the same. The guest could have gone straight to Jesus but he believes that her being a mother of Him, her word has weight.

IS THAT IN THE BIBLE?

Although she did not mention in black and white, I know that when it is not in the Bible, it should not be true or accepted.

Where is “incarnation” and “Trinity” in the Bible? (She believes in Trinity so there was no need for me to “prove” the existence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.) Where is “faith alone” in the Bible?

To be continued . . .