Noah?s family was saved by being put into the ark. (The Fathers of the Church often used Noah?s ark as a symbol for the Church, by the way. When you compare the variety of creatures in both vessels, the comparison seems apt). But Protestants too have to admit that the Church is not just a human social club but of divine origin because Scripture clearly teaches this. Where, then, do they differ with us? Their criticism is usually that Catholics ignore the need to make an individual, personal decision for Christ, or choice to believe; that Catholics think they can be born into the faith, inheriting salvation from their parents. But this is not a doctrinal disagreement. It is a practical, pastoral concern. Most Protestants are willing to admit that individualism is a mistake, and most Catholics are willing to admit that being born into faith is a misunderstanding. Where, then, is the doctrinal, dogmatic disagreement about the Church? Perhaps it concerns the authority of the Church. Let?s assume that both Protestants and Catholics understand the true nature of authority: that it means right, not might, in fact, ?author?s rights?, and that in Christ it is wielded by love and service, not by lording it over others. Once Protestants understand this definition and understand that Catholics understand it too, the fear of the authority of the Church is largely dissipated. Because Protestants accept Scripture and because Scripture clearly teaches the authority of the Church (?He who hears you, hears me,?