Christian Forums

 Bill,

Regarding the 'Infallibility of the Pope', the term is slightly misleading. The Pope in himself is not infallible, Only God is infallible in himself.

However to ensure that his Church does not teach error, and thereby lead people into error – concerning faith and morals – the Church teaches that Christ gifted his Church a share in his infallibility. The Pope, as the successor of Peter, and Universal Shepherd, can exercise that gift (charism) of infallibility under certain conditions.

It works like this:

Jesus founded a Church (Mt 16:18); he founded it on the Apostles (Eph 2:20) and it is described as the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Tim 3:15)

He gave that Church one set of doctrines (Jud 3); a unity of belief (Phil. 1:27, 2:2)

Jesus made promises to this Church, covenant promises, which he guarantees (Heb 7:22)

Jesus promised his Church would be indefectible. – the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Mt 16:18)

He promised the Church would be preserved from error by the Holy Spirit by reminding the apostles of all that Jesus had taught them (Jn 14:26) and guide them into the truth in the future (Jn 16:13)

He appointed the Apostles with Peter as the leader (Mt 16:18-19) and gave them the mission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. (Mt 28:16-20)

He promised he would not leave them on their own (Jn 14:18) but that he would be with them until the end of the age (Mt 28:20)

He prayed that it would be one Church (Jn 17:20-23)

He prayed that the Father would consecrate the Apostles in the truth (Jn 17:17), and the Father always hears Jesus (Jn 11:41-42).

We are therefore guaranteed by Jesus that what his Church teaches is the truth.

That Church is headed by Christ (Col 1:18), but he appointed Peter to be the visible head on earth (Mt 16:18-19), to be the universal shepherd (Jn 21:15-17) of Christ's one fold (Jn 10:16).

Jesus made special distinctions between Peter and the other apostles.

In Mt 16:18-19 Jesus:
1. declared Peter would the rock upon which he would build his Church.

2. gave Peter singly the power to bind and loose.

3. gave Peter alone the keys to the kingdom.

Jesus also  gave Peter instructions to support his brothers (Lk 22:31-32) and to be universal shepherd (Jn 21:15-17). There is more in scripture about the primacy of Peter but I think I've gone on too long already.

The Church teaches therefore that because of the uniqueness of Peter's position, given to him by Christ, Peter (and his successors) have the authority to exercise that charism of infallibility that Jesus gifted to his Church. That dogma was defined at a General Council (Vatican I). If you accept the infallibility of dogmas declared by General Councils, then, even if you doubt the scriptural logic that I have given, the dogma must still be true.

Thanks, winsome.  You've given me a lot to think about and many scriptures to look up.  I'll do that as soon as I can, and will get back to this thread later if I have any further questions.

Your brother in Christ,

Bill Velek

Quote from: billvelek on Wed Mar 04, 2015 - 12:08:49
Thanks, winsome.  You've given me a lot to think about and many scriptures to look up.  I'll do that as soon as I can, and will get back to this thread later if I have any further questions.

Your brother in Christ,

Bill Velek

You're welcome.

I will be away for a few days but I will catch up with any questions when I return.

God bless

Bill,

The Orthodox Church is a cool place to be. 

Papal infallibility is a hard pill to swallow, but the worst part of it is goes back only to 1870s (about).  All the RCC issues
involve a *change* in policy--be it the filioque, universal jurisidiction or the "i" word (which I don't want to mention), even
the way of crossing oneself. 

I agree with my RCC friends, papal infallibility isn't as bad as it sounds.  It applies only to when the Pope speaks ex cathedra, but, unfortunately, no one can define when that is. 

Don't be scared of the east -- it's a Christianity in its original form!

Blessings on your search (I've been there).

Quote from: billvelek on Wed Mar 04, 2015 - 12:08:49
Thanks, winsome.  You've given me a lot to think about and many scriptures to look up.  I'll do that as soon as I can, and will get back to this thread later if I have any further questions.

Your brother in Christ,

Bill Velek

Let me have a few words. If you are looking for a historical church and think that outward shows of religion and legalistic ritualism was any part of it you are not looking for Jesus. Jesus is first established in your heart and His church was never boisterous of authoritarianism. They knew humility and never did what you see today as religious displays and parading of fancy religious garments. They make claims but history shows they never really followed in the apostles footsteps. They became as monarchs and let people kiss their ring. Peter was never as one of them