When I converted from atheism to Christianity, I explored a lot of the Protestant denominations.  On the surface, they were very appealing because of their often “feel good” atmosphere.  Many of them have upbeat rock music during their services, some of them have coffee shops, and most of them organize lots of fun church activities — softball teams, rafting trips — all kinds of fun things.  The one thing that I found them lacking in, which I believe matters the most, is authority.  Who is the authority?  The standard answers are: Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or the Bible.

But if all of these post-Reformation denominations have the same authority, why is it that they can’t all agree on the important things — things like the purpose of baptism, the sanctity of marriage, and the requirements for salvation?  Why has their moral teaching changed so drastically throughout time in order to better fit within society?  Is it because their authority has changed?

This is what brought me to the Catholic Church.  In reading the Bible, nowhere does it say the word, “Bible.”  Jesus never says that in order to have everlasting life, you must follow the Bible.  In reality, the Bible was not completed until somewhere around 300 years after the death of Christ.  Before that time, the faithful practiced Christianity as it had been handed down to them, through apostolic succession — and Sacred Tradition.  We Catholics believe many things because they were handed down to us by the people who actually walked with Jesus — people who saw him risen from the dead.

One thing that is evident from reading the Bible — something that is not contradicted anywhere — is that while on earth, Jesus formed a Church, with Peter at its head.  Obviously God is the ultimate authority, but the Holy Spirit is with the Church, which was established to guide us here on Earth.

The people within the Church are not perfect, but the Holy Spirit within the Church is.  Thank God for that authority.