Let me just say in regards to the last two posts above that
in the real world of theology, certainty is usually a sign of delusion as interpretations so often vary. Anyone who has seriously delved into theological studies well knows this, and they also well know that "confirmation bias" is an enemy of any serious study.
In real estate it's "location, location, location", and in theology it's "interpretation, interpretation, interpretation". Yes, religious bodies have a right and duty to teach what they interpret to be likely correct, but any serious student also needs to know that simply because their leadership has interpretations doesn't mean that those interpretations are automatically correct.
When
I converted back to Catholicism a few months ago, I frankly told the priest that because of my background that I basically tend to question just about everything and anything but that I could commit myself to work within the Church. After explaining as such, he accepted this and said he does understand and not see that as being an impediment to me coming back.
BTW, right now I'm involved in a 20 week study of the Gospel of Matthew and am truly enjoying it. Previous to my reconversion, I was involved in Torah study for roughly 1 & 1/2 hours each Saturday morning except during the summer, and I did as such for around 20 years. I also was involved in two different studies last year in my church..I certainly am no expert on Jewish and Christian theology, but I have long been a serious student who also reads a lot of theology (about every other book I read, and I never read fiction). Ya, I know-- it don't show.
To me, parroting any denomination's teaching, whether that be Catholic, Protestant, JW, a branch of Judaism, etc., reminds of a saying: "If two people completely agree, then only one of them is actually doing the thinking". My point is please realize that what we are being taught are
interpretations, and "interpretation" is not synonymous with the word "fact".
To me, it's important for us to study on our own, going through various interpretations from varying sources, not just our own denomination's/religion's. And this also is what I so much appreciate here at RF with all the differing opinions being expressed. What I can't stand, as the reader well knows, is the "my way or the highway" approach because that is both delusional and harmful, imo.
Busy weekend coming up for me, so take care.