[Barnacle]

Millions of people profess Christianity; they claim to be members of the Church Jesus founded. But Christianity is a divided religion, composed of hundreds of denominations and schisms. Through the centuries, most of Christianity's branches have assimilated many nonbiblical traditions—philosophical, cultural and religious—into their teachings and practices, spawning even more variations.

That's one reason I went back to "Old Reliable".

As Jesus said to the first pope, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18)

Peter was later martyred on the spot where the obelisk stands today.

Though there have been schisms... And, schisms of schisms... And, schisms of those schisms, the gates of Hades have not, and never will overcome it

(If you would like to be on/off my Catholic Ring List, please send a Freepmail.)

[Salvation]

Excellent post. Thanks for the ping!

[kstewskis]

Thank you Barnacle!

[NYer]

As Jesus said to the first pope, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18)

That is why He appointed a shepherd to guide His flock. Thanks for the ping!

[DouglasKC]

As Jesus said to the first pope, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18)

I'm glad you got something out of it. :-)

But clearly what Christ meant was that the gates of hell (the grave) cannot prevail against God's church because the members of God's church are destined for eternal life.

There is no biblical evidence that suggests that Peter was ever in Rome, much less died there or ever became Pope. But I do understand that is the tradition you believe in.

[Diego1618]

That's one reason I went back to "Old Reliable".

With its pagan Obelisk standing right in the center.

Peter was later martyred on the spot where the obelisk stands today.

Peter was never in Rome......in fact was told not to go there Matthew 10:5-6. I can't think of a more Gentile first century location.....and there were not any "Lost Sheep" in and around Rome at the time. If you remember, it was Paul who was appointed to the gentiles.

Like Douglas says....the Gates of Hades not prevailing means that death will not prevail over Christians. It is not talking about an Organization, a Building or a Theology. He is referring to "Called Out Ones" (Ekklesia)....here rendered "Assembly". Your interpretation is lacking.

[Iscool]

Isn't it amazing...We have a Bible with over 30,000 verses in it...And you guys build a religion based on a faulty reading of, 1 verse...