Pope Benedict made the news last week by declaring publicly that the only way to salvation was through the Roman Catholic Church. I was away in Queens, with 44 other people, doing some urban missions stuff, so I was not able to comment. Forgive me my tardiness, for this is one of my favorite stories ever!
Why?
Because the Pope told what he believed to be true, nothing more, nothing less. Why is that a problem?
"It's insensitive to other denominations," say some and again. "It is offensive to all and rude to the Muslims," say others.
However, these critics reveal their over-sensitive, politically correct, historically ignorant point of view.
The Roman Catholic church believes it is the only way, and it always has. That shouldn't be news. The Eastern Orthodox denominations would disagree and have since 1100 A.D. (around there) when they decided that their pope was the true pope that went back to Peter and the Romans disagreed. Of course I disagree, as a reformed protestant. But, this is not news. It has been this way for centuries.
The Pope told the truth of what his church teaches. What's wrong with that? Palestinian and Arab leaders are constantly talking about how they need to push the Jews into the seas and murder all the infidels. We are VERY TOLERANT of such violent points of view. But let a Christian state what he believes and oh what a ruckus!
Do you want to know why the whole world gets more stirred up when Christians speak up than when Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, secularists, and others say what they believe? I know the answer. It is because Jesus Christ really is the Son of God. He really is the only way to heaven. And it just makes people mad who don't want to follow Him.
The opponents only confirm the truth. Jesus said that He came not to bring peace, but a sword (figuratively --He's not Mohammed!) --dividing people into two camps. There are those who are for Him, and then there are those who hate him. There is no middle ground.
Go, Pope, Go! I don't agree with you, but there is nothing wrong with telling the truth about what you believe.
10 comments:
Awesome blog. Great content and it looks really nice. One question how did you get that nav bar off the top? I was surfing along, read your blog, and couldn't hit next blog! PLEASE let me know. My daughter has a blog and I don't like the nav bar up there. A lot of bad blogs out there. Please email me how to do it! I wouldn't mind if you also gave me the company name that designed your blog, I'm sure my daughter would like to have hers look nicer. Thanks. Jeff jtreehill@yahoo.com
Jeff,
forgive me for being so forward, but your comment sounds fishy. I have a feeling you know how my blog looks like it does, how the bar was removed, etc. Is this true?
...and yet, people that participate in Christ(ian) bashing will consistently deny why they do it. It's really strange to see the way the hardened heart of man functions.
Mike -
forgive me for being so forward, but your comment sounds fishy. I have a feeling you suspect Jeff of being some kind of robot, predator, or phisher looking for an email from you so he can steal your wealth, family, or livelihood. Is this true?
pastakeith,
I have no fear for my children for they are all trained Samurai.
However, the blog-master who designs my blog generates a number of suspicious communications, and I'm not sure why.
and so, I seek more information. Why would someone tell me my blog is great and only talk about the look, the navbar, etc? Hmm? I am suspicious.
(let's see you mirror this comment, ninja man)
Now back to the issue at hand......good thoughts on the pope deal. Let us not forget the anathema that was placed upon those of us who are reformed protestants. Has that been lifted by the way? Didn't think so. Actually, I wouldn't expect it to be.
How come the pope doesn't worry about what I think of him?
What makes a pope have the authority to say anything at all is from God unless it comes directly from Scripture?
What is Scripture makes Rome the holy city? Rome is generally a less than positive place in the scripture (see Daniel). the idea of an endless succession of popes leading back to Peter is historically suspect. Beyond that, if there is a succession is fallible.
Why? Some pretty nasty people have been appointed pope (Do I here Medice, anyone?). Also, in history we have often had numerous popes because who was truly pope was impossible to determine.
The mode of succession also is not established in Scripture.
Bottom line, the Bible does not give the pope the authority he takes. If he is actually the "vicar" of Christ on earth, I'd love to see him to the sorts of things Jesus would do. like, perhaps, cell all that gold and give it to the poor --or hang out with sinners and preach the gospel to them, etc. How about letting pastors marry? How dare one man say that the pastors of God's church not marry? Only God can make such a restriction and He never did. in fact, there is strong evidence that forbidding marriage is wrong in itself (1 Tim 4:3).
I know this, it would be news to Peter's wife.
The pope should say what he believes. He's wrong on so many counts, but that's okay. I still respect him for having the courage to say it.
Dang, I spell like a moron! I should really start proof-reading my own comments. Forgive me for all the spelling errors and typos in that last comment.
(Dang! I'm not infallible either!)
I wouldn't have said anything about them. Your gift of speaking far outweighs occasional typing hiccups. I get to sound half intelligent on the web, but alas, I'm an incoherent idiot when I speak.
Thanks, Andy! A true example of Christian patience!
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