Papal Infallibility: A Symbolic, Yet Problematic, Term

Homiletic & Pastoral Review ^ | March 30, 2012 | REV. JOHN T. FORD CSC

[metmom]

You’re sure that wasn’t some anti-Catholic site you lifted that quote from?

Oh, wait a minute.....

[Natural Law]

"Though the documents of Lumen Gentium state the desire for "unity" of the Body of Christ, they really intend for ALL professing Christians to be under the Pope of Rome and participating in all the same activities and doctrines."

The Catholic Church believes that Christ founded the Church and placed it under St. Peter and his successors. Protestantism demands that the Church "be reasonable" and capitulate on this key doctrine in the name of ecumenicalism. Those who "protest" the Apostolic succession and Papal authority will remain separated from the Church. They will have to work out their own Salvation in the less complete environment of the Reformation. I wish them well.

Peace and Blessings.

[boatbums]

The Catholic Church believes that Christ founded the Church and placed it under St. Peter and his successors. Protestantism demands that the Church "be reasonable" and capitulate on this key doctrine in the name of ecumenicalism. Those who "protest" the Apostolic succession and Papal authority will remain separated from the Church. They will have to work out their own Salvation in the less complete environment of the Reformation. I wish them well.

Yes, Jesus DID establish His church - His body of believers - and though Peter was used by Christ to establish this body and help nurture it in the truths of God - he was not the only one. History shows that the early believers assembled in local groups, each having elders whose job it was to feed their flock. Peter and the other disciples and Apostles were more evangelists than "bishops" and they chiefly traveled to new locations bringing souls to Christ, establishing local assemblies, training their leaders, and, then, moving on as the Holy Spirit led them.

I think where we disagree is that you seem to believe that the Apostles named their "successors" and transferred their own mantels of "infallibility" onto the next in line rather than the Apostles teaching and training the next leaders in the truths of the Christian faith - that they enscripturated under the direction of the Holy Spirit - and those leaders, who did not inherit a charism of infallibility, were to uphold and support those truths they were taught and ensure subsequent generations also learned and passed down. All were held to the same authority of Scripture -just as the Jewish religious leaders were supposed to be held to the Mosaic law and Old Testament teachings. Just as those leaders veered away from the authority of God's word and devised their own rules and traditions that went against the truths of God, so the Roman catholic Church has and their authority - whatever that really ever was - was taken away from them. The Reformation sought to RESTORE the church back to Orthodoxy - what was passed down from the Apostles in Scripture. The powers that resided in Rome would not relinquish their false teachings so that is why there was the split - though it was NOT the first.

My faith is that of the Apostles because it follows what they taught as they recorded in Scripture. Because of this difference, I will continue to remain separated from the Roman Catholic Church. But this does not mean I am apart from THE church - the Body of Christ. No, I AM still part of that body and that is something that ONLY Jesus can do. He makes us one with him through faith.

I disagree that Protestantism "demands" the Catholic Church to capitulate on this doctrine or that it is Protestantism that is pushing the movement towards "ecumenicalism". It would be more truthful to acknowledge that the major push for this is from Rome, in, like I said, an effort to gather all Christians under the Bishop of Rome. Thankfully, I do not NEED the church of Rome to be saved. That only comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and I KNOW, right now, that I have everlasting life through Him, who saved me by His precious blood. The life I live, I live by faith in Christ who loved me and gave himself for me. And that, my FRiend is NEVER a "less complete environment".

I wish you peace and blessings as well.

[Natural Law]

"I think where we disagree is that you seem to believe that the Apostles named their "successors" and transferred their own mantels of "infallibility" onto the next in line rather than the Apostles teaching and training the next leaders in the truths of the Christian faith - that they enscripturated under the direction of the Holy Spirit - and those leaders, who did not inherit a charism of infallibility, were to uphold and support those truths they were taught and ensure subsequent generations also learned and passed down."

The Apostles did choose and ordain their successors through the laying on of hands. One only need to read Acts to accept this. You may choose to interpret Scripture differently, but I choose to accept 2000 years of Tradition and the extrascriptural writings of Apostles, Fathers, Saints and eye witnesses.

Peace be with you.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

For some reason this country has turned into a bunch of whiney cry babies who can’t distinguish between disagreement with something and *hate*, so instead of actually engaging in debate or discussion, cry *hater* or *anti-* and ban the person as a troll.

It's the Catholic influence. As RCs assume position of power, the whining get louder and more belligerent.

[metmom]

Hebrews 1:1-3 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

[boatbums]

Hebrews 1:1-3 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

Amen! Jesus said, "If you have seen me you have seen the father." (John 14:9)

[Cronos]

long gone. good riddance....