I have finally come to my senses and see why it is better to be Catholic – that is if you are the Pope. You can simply change the rules when you want to. It is especially good to do it when the previous infallible pope made a mistake. Well done for a church that some say never changes 🙂
Pope changes rules for electing successor | Top News | Reuters.com
Before commenting on papal infallibility, you should really understand what it is. It doesn’t mean a pope is perfect in everything he does. It means that any doctrine declared by the pope and magisterium in regard to the Church’s teachings is true. It isn’t about they way a pope is elected which is not an issue of doctrine. Here is further information regarding papal infallibility. http://www.catholic.com/library/Papal_Infallibility.asp
And if you want to discuss changing the rules… look at all the many protestant denominations that get to pick and choose what they believe – quite convenient, I think.
I know, I know. I expected the comment on my papal spoof. I do in fact know and understand what Papal infallibility refers to. I just think it is interesting that the RCC made up a doctrine that allows itself to choose what they will and won’t hold as infallible.
Great little article on infallibility that proves my point. Here’s a money quote: “The infallibility of the pope is not a doctrine that suddenly appeared in Church teaching; rather, it is a doctrine which was implicit in the early Church. It is only our understanding of infallibility which has developed and been more clearly understood over time. In fact, the doctrine of infallibility is implicit in these Petrine texts: John 21:15–17 (“Feed my sheep . . . “), Luke 22:32 (“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail”), and Matthew 16:18 (“You are Peter . . . “). ” – wow – this is poor exegesis, poor reasoning, poor history . . .
I realize, I just spoke about papal infallibility the way most Catholics misrepresent the biblical view of justification by faith alone and grace alone through Christ alone. Touche’
Now, really, Jennifer, you aren’t suggesting that the majority of Catholics in America don’t pick and choose what they believe are you?
I have to say the picture for this blog is going to give me nightmares…..scary.
Not him in particular, just that picture of him.
Way to post a picture that is going to give your readers nightmares Bret! 😉