It has always been difficult for me to get a good understanding of the Calvinist/ultra-Protestant mindset and "being saved." The reactions to Bishop Katharine's comments have given me some insight.
And yes, it is completely orthodox - I have three close friends who are devout RCs. Though we have many differing views on certain things religious, this collective aspect (and how it works in your life) is a point of agreement. Oh, and that there are seven sacraments :-)
Calvin taught that salvation was a personal matter between God and the sinner. Only the sinner could not if s/he was one of the elect. This gives the Calvinist the "superiority complex" they all have.
The church, however, has always taught that salvation is a collective matter - no salvation apart from the church. We must help one another on the path to salvation. That is antithetical to the egotistical Calvinist position.
Hi James--I found this to be a little food for thought. This is Bonnie Anderson's sermon:
http://www.episcopalcafe.com/
lea...rth_a_look.html
Scroll down to just below the utube clip and that is where her sermon starts.
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