Where Is The Real Church?
I just love Pope Benedict XVI. I like him a whole lot more than I liked Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI is much more orthodox, and is much more concerned about the Church's historical stands. Recently the Pope made a definitive statement about Hell. He proclaimed that the Church believes in Hell. He has also held fast to other historical teachings.
The latest Papal statement declares that the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church, and all other Churches cannot be called churches in the proper since. He declared that all churches outside of the Roman Catholic Church have terrible flaws. He believes that Jesus set forth one Church with one Apostolic authority. Any Church that does not recognize the Pope as the Apostolic head of the Church is flawed. You would have never heard this type of statement from John Paul II.
The Roman Church has lost a lot of its relevance since the Vatican II. The Second Vatican Council began in 1962. This council changed the Church dramatically. For centuries, the Church did all of its worship in Latin. Vatican II allowed worship to be done in any language. Vatican II also decided to call non-Catholics "Separated brethren". This was a huge departure from calling us heretics. Most conservative bishops struggled with the change. This change has continued to grow to the point where many Catholics see very little difference between their Church and other churches.
Pope Benedict has decided to draw a line in the sand. It is obvious that the slide away from Catholic primacy has got him agitated. He obviously believes it is his duty to draw the church back home.
I applaud Pope Benedict's stand. I am glad he has drawn this line, and I hope he continues to fight against Protestants and others alike. For his statement is one that is important for us to know. The truth is, either he is right or we are right. We both cannot be right. I am willing to take up the fight for the true Church. I think it is high time we have a good old fashioned debate on what is the Church. This would educate the masses, and allow for truth to get out.
Just to let you know, the Pope is right about one thing. The true Church has one Apostolic authority. The problem between the Pope and I is recognizing where that authority lies. He believes it lies within the confines of the Roman Church. He believes the Pope is the key to Apostolic authority. I believe that the Apostolic Authority is found in the Bible. It is our final authority. That by looking for true Biblical churches, we will find the true Church.
I look forward to seeing where this debate goes.
The latest Papal statement declares that the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church, and all other Churches cannot be called churches in the proper since. He declared that all churches outside of the Roman Catholic Church have terrible flaws. He believes that Jesus set forth one Church with one Apostolic authority. Any Church that does not recognize the Pope as the Apostolic head of the Church is flawed. You would have never heard this type of statement from John Paul II.
The Roman Church has lost a lot of its relevance since the Vatican II. The Second Vatican Council began in 1962. This council changed the Church dramatically. For centuries, the Church did all of its worship in Latin. Vatican II allowed worship to be done in any language. Vatican II also decided to call non-Catholics "Separated brethren". This was a huge departure from calling us heretics. Most conservative bishops struggled with the change. This change has continued to grow to the point where many Catholics see very little difference between their Church and other churches.
Pope Benedict has decided to draw a line in the sand. It is obvious that the slide away from Catholic primacy has got him agitated. He obviously believes it is his duty to draw the church back home.
I applaud Pope Benedict's stand. I am glad he has drawn this line, and I hope he continues to fight against Protestants and others alike. For his statement is one that is important for us to know. The truth is, either he is right or we are right. We both cannot be right. I am willing to take up the fight for the true Church. I think it is high time we have a good old fashioned debate on what is the Church. This would educate the masses, and allow for truth to get out.
Just to let you know, the Pope is right about one thing. The true Church has one Apostolic authority. The problem between the Pope and I is recognizing where that authority lies. He believes it lies within the confines of the Roman Church. He believes the Pope is the key to Apostolic authority. I believe that the Apostolic Authority is found in the Bible. It is our final authority. That by looking for true Biblical churches, we will find the true Church.
I look forward to seeing where this debate goes.
posted by Foundes Community Church @ 12:40 PM
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