[xzins]

Spiritual succession

As this article points out, the human lineage so valued by the RCC is quite suspect. Additionally, of course, we are told by Paul in his instruction to Timothy:

3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.

I would think that mythical lineages would also fit the spirit of that instruction.

In any case, Paul clearly supports the spiritual above the human when he affirms again that God's work is BY FAITH.

As always, sister, your posts as spot on.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so very much for your encouragements and the perfect Scripture! Indeed, God's work is by faith. Nothing less will do.

[Andrew Byler]

I would think that mythical lineages would also fit the spirit of that instruction.

They do, and it is one of the grounds for condemning the Protestant and Old Catholic Bishops with their obsession on episcopal lineage.

Catholic and Orthodox Bishops do not worry over such things because they know by the very fact of holding the Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Faith that they are Bishops of the universal Church.