[dinoparty]

I probably agree with you on your specific point, but we also need to wrestle with the ideas that: Christ DID send his apostles out to spread the good news, and Christ DID speak differently to the masses than he did to his selected disciples.

[RobRoy]

>>Christ DID send his apostles out to spread the good news, and Christ DID speak differently to the masses than he did to his selected disciples.<<

Yes he did, and what he said was then, AFTER HIS CRUCIFIXION, written down for all to read. I believe it was necessary for the people to have him crucified before full revelation was to happen. Even the apostles did not fully understand both before and immediately after His crucifixion. They actually seemed pretty thick and even Jesus got frustrated with them. But He persevered. :)

[HereInTheHeartland]

I don't disagree.
It is important to remember that He chose ordinary people to spread that word.
That is what is annoying about comments similar to what NYer posted.
Christ did not come to establish a ruling class elite clergy.
He pulled people literally of the shore and said “come follow Me” and they did. They dropped their nets and become His disciples.
That does not square with a huge monolith organized system of popes and priests.