Scripturelink Encyclopedia » papacy

United believers- One True Church

stlazareth — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 10:53:14 +0000

“ 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”" John 17 NIV (protestant) Bible.

James (James chapter 5 verse 15) notes that the prayer of the righteous is answered, so far as it is earnest and in line with God’s will, if God did not answer Jesus prayer, and Jesus’ purpose, we know is the very will of God, then either Jesus is not righteous, or God is not all-powerful. We know that God interprets our prayers as they best benefit us and God, but there is no need for God to translate his own prayers- for only God knows God’s mind, and Jesus is one with God. His purpose is God’s purpose.

This is furthered by “¹³We were baptised into one body in a single Spirit, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as free men, and we were all given the same Spirit to drink. … ²⁵and so that there may not be disagreements inside the body but each part may be equally concerned for all the others. ” (I corinthians chapter 12 New Jerusalem Bible http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=46&bible_chapter=12) and by”²⁸And those whom God has appointed in the Church are, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers; after them, miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helpful acts, guidance, various kinds of tongues. “ (I corinthians chapter 12 New Jerusalem Biblehttp://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=46&bible_chapter=12) and by the fact that one cannot hide a city on a hill, nor place a lamp under a bowl, and that the church is constant since the time of Christ, and there is one gospel and one message that cannot change since the beginning (”the gates of hell will not over come it”, “my words will not fade away”, “let what you heard in the beginning remain in you” see I john chapter 2 verse 24 )

Authority of the State, Church, God, Angels and others

stlazareth — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:03:03 +0000

Authority

Definition

Power given, or taken by one over another- or due to one over another- whereby consent, reverence to knowledge, or obedience is “required”, either for membership to a group, or by the principal of justice, or by consequences rendered for non-compliance.
Influence, or domain over specific matters, within a specific jurisdiction in certain circumstance, given to one individual or group over others- either due to circumstance or higher authority.

Civil authority

What is meant by such:

This authority- given to governments- for the uplifting of their people- not just groups within- relates to the civil responsibility of states or nations to uphold the rights of their people, and the moral responsibility of every citizen to obey the present authorities above them- in every just command- placing God first in command, and all other authorities in proportion.

catechism :

“1898 Every human community needs an authority to govern it.¹⁶ The foundation of such authority lies in human nature. It is necessary for the unity of the state. Its role is to ensure as far as possible the common good of the society.” catechism of the Catholic Church

Where authority is not valid:

“1903 Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it. If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order, such arrangements would not be binding in conscience. In such a case, “authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse.”²³” catechism of the Catholic Church

Bible on authority

“Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God that which is due to God” Jesus of Nazareth

“It is better to obey God than man” (or “is it better to obey God, or Man” in some translations) The apostles in The Acts of the Apostles

“¹²Always behave honourably among gentiles so that they can see for themselves what moral lives you lead, and when the day of reckoning comes, give thanks to God for the things which now make them denounce you as criminals.

¹³For the sake of the Lord, accept the authority of every human institution: the emperor, as the supreme authority,

¹⁴and the governors as commissioned by him to punish criminals and praise those who do good. ” New Jerusalem Bible (1 Peter Chapter 2) http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=58&bible_chapter=2

“
¹⁰That is why I am writing this while still far away, so that when I am with you I shall not have to be harsh, with the authority that the Lord has given me, an authority that is for building up and not for breaking down.

Conclusion

¹¹To end then, brothers, we wish you joy; try to grow perfect; encourage one another; have a common mind and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

New Jerusalem Bible (II Corinthians Chapter 13)

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=47&bible_chapter=13

“¹I urge then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be offered for everyone,

²for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live peaceful and quiet lives with all devotion and propriety.

³To do this is right, and acceptable to God our Saviour: “

New Jerusalem Bible (I Timothy Chapter 2)

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=52&bible_chapter=2

“²And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. ” New Jerusalem Bible (Gospel of Mark Chapter 1)

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=41

“¹⁴He offered himself for us in order to ransom us from all our faults and to purify a people to be his very own and eager to do good.

¹⁵This is what you must say, encouraging or arguing with full authority; no one should despise you.” New Jerusalem Bible (Titus Chapter 2)

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=54&bible_chapter=2

“⁵¹He went down with them then and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. “

New Jerusalem Bible (Luke Chapter 2)

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=42&bible_chapter=2

Church authority
Catholics believe in the authority of the Apostles (Luke 9,Luke 10 v 8-16,John 11 v 51,Acts 15 v 19,22-30,Acts 5 v 4,Acts 1 v 20) over the Christian world, and their right to interpret scripture, and other revelation in relation to morals and doctrine, in certain circumstances- accurately. They further believe that this right was passed down by Apostolic succession (Acts 1 v 20), whereby the apostles had the right to transfer their authority to others. All valid Christianity springs from the catholic church, who has maintained this succession via the clergy and the papacy. This authority is used in all infallible decisions.

Other Authority and domains of the Roman Apostolic Catholic Church

The church- further is seen as having authority over its followers as demanded by justice- whereby certain actions are forbidden or required (Luke 9). The church may validly excommunicate certain individuals, groups, or peoples- automatically via decree, or individually according to the case (1 Corinthians 5).

Limit of the Authority of Rome

The human person cannot be coerced into the Christian faith, but must be given the choice to remain, or join such. On the other hand- the human person may not- neither without restraint nor with much noise- be permitted to publicize their dissent, diabolic, or hateful views.

Doctrinal authority

One credits the church with superior interpretive abilities as to the Sacred Text, due to her position, and submits to it.

Authority of God

“Do not fear those who can only kill the body” Jesus of Nazareth

God is considered to have absolute authority over destiny, fate (Ephesians 1 v 11-15), and all created beings, including the devil. Only what he permits is able to exist.

This does not make God evil, rather demonstrates his justice in allowing choice (”You send yourself to hell”- popular Christian opinion), which is also demonstrated in strict punishment of both well-meaning and bad.

The good are punished- that they may become pure.

The evil/wicked are punished- because God places all in the right place, and renders onto others as they have themselves rendered to others, and perhaps even worse.

Spiritual Authority

The bible notes hierarchical structures for good and for evil in the spiritual world.

Christians are told to note that it is not flesh or blood they fight against, but principalities and authorities of the spiritual world.

Conscience and natural Law

People are also obligated to obey RIGHT conscience, as to what they ought to do.

The Family

Limit of obediance.

“anyone who loves their mother, son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” Jesus of Nazareth.

In normal events
Children are to obey their parents (Luke Chapter 2 verse 51), but not above the church, or God.

Wives are to obey their husbands (Ephesians chapter 5: verses 21-33), but within limits and boundaries, and not in such a way that it affects the dignity of the person, or contradicts the will or command of God. (see article on The Family structure relating to the degree of submission required of wives).

People are also required to work for their masters diligently, as though working for the Lord.

Parents, husbands, or others with authority are to treat those below them with respect as fellow human beings, paying what dignity is deserved. Husbands and parents are to love and take care of their wives (for husbands) and children.

Further Resources

Vatican

Catechism

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c2a2.htm

www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s1c2a2.htm

Papacy, councils etc
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_10021880_arcanum_en.html

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_12051999_gift-of-autority_en.html

New Advent

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15006b.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02137c.htm

EWTN

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/papad1.htm

This Rock

http://www.catholic.com/library/Authority_of_the_Pope_Part_1.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1998/9802fea2.asp

The Disobedient and ever controversial Feeney

stlazareth — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:54:43 +0000

Feeney- a catholic priest who preached that those not within the visible church, couldn’t be covered in any circumstance by baptism of desire. Feeney was excommunicated after refusing to submit to the church. He died- having reconciled with the church, and , but never repented his incorrect view.

Details

His view, while supported by many quotes, disagreed also with many quotes of the fathers.

Ultimately, Vatican II settled the issue of Baptism of desire for the church, who infallibly looked at the issue. Feeney believed that the Church’s statements were open to personal interpretation. The Pope at the time stated that like the scripture, they were not open to such. As the Apostle Peter said- “Prophesy is never a matter left up to the individual”(II Peter chapter 1 Verse 20).

Feeney named the pope of his time, and others who declared baptism of desire true to be heretics (”Feeney himself says of Baptism of desire: “That is heresy!”" http://www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/FEENEY2.TXT) , and believed that the church’s teaching was contrary to what it itself thought it to be.

Feeney’s excommunication, for disobeying the summons to Rome (many times), was later lifted, out of the Church’s decision to allow diversity in the church, by a later pope. Feeney’s followers are known as the Feeneyites. Other controversial decisions of Feeney included his choice to communally raise children, never attempted by the Church before, but done by heretical groups in the past.

The church relooked at the doctrine of “outside the church no salvation” declaring it to be true, but that it should be interpreted as the church set out. As truth cannot contradict truth, this doctrine must be interpreted with Baptism of desire in mind.

Please see our article on this issue (”extra ecclesiam nulla salus”) , also see our article (http://scripturelinkencyclopedia.stblogs.com/2007/11/20/eastern-orthodoxy-a-mystery-of-our-eastern-brothers/) and our section on scripture and corruption in(http://scripturelinkencyclopedia.stblogs.com/2007/11/24/curruption/). Also note what the Bible says- “hold the faith you originally heard”, and the church is the “pillar and foundation of the truth”, and our article on authority (Authority of the State, Church, God, Angels and others).

Further resources

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea3.asp

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19950531en.html

www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/FEENEY2.TXT

On extra ecclesiam nulla salus

Resources

This Rock Magazine

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea3.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/Salvation_Outside_the_Church.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1999/9909frs.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0403sbs.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0207fea3.asp

www.catholic.com/newsletters/kke_040113.asp

Eternal Word Television Network

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/EXTRECCL.HTM

http://www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/EXTRAECC.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/FEENEY2.TXT

Vatican

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19950531en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070419_un-baptised-infants_en.html

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20040528_lineamenta-xi-assembly_en.html

Valid links contradicting the Feeneyist view are:

Unbaptised children

http://scripturelinkencyclopedia.stblogs.com/2007/11/08/infallibility/

(Also showing the broad catholic view, and authority of church councils -on the authority of church councils)

Vatican

www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a3.htm

www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930324en.htmlwww.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930317en.htmlEternal

Eternal Word Television Network

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/ORDIN.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/EXPLINFA.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/ORDIN.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/SHAWINFA.TXT

www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/papac2.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/MIRINFAL.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/Theology/SIPVAT2.HTM

www.ewtn.com/library/DOCTRINE/TRIGINFL.HTM

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/INFALLIB.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/Theology/SUMMARY.HTM

www.ewtn.com/library/CHRIST/CONFATAL.txt

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/PILSORD.TXT

www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/chura2a.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/HUMANITY/THEOTRAD.TXT

www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=518780&Pg=Forum6&Pgnu=1&recnu=7

New Advent- Catholic Encyclopedia

www.newadvent.org/cathen/05030a.htm

www.newadvent.org/cathen/07790a.htm

www.newadvent.org/cathen/15303a.htm

Catholic Online

Catholic Encyclopedia

www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=6099

www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=3717

United States Council Of Catholic Bishops

www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2003/03-075.shtml

www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm

www.usccb.org/seia/southernbaptist.shtml

This Rock- www.catholic.com

www.catholic.com/library/Papal_Infallibility.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0202sbs.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/1990/9007qq.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0109bt.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0010fea5.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/1994/9409fea2.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0212qq.asp www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0004qq.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0510fr.asp

Theology- the science of listening

stlazareth — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:44:34 +0000

Theology- the study of God- aided- advanced, and based on God

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Colossians 1:9) NIV (protestant- not catholic) bible

Catholic theology

As God is almighty- and greater than us- we understand- that what he knows is greater than anything else. He has the power to show himself to us or not. Catholic theology is often critisized for it’s listening approach- whereby it bases itself largely- if not solely on revelation and logic in relation to such. In all honesty- however- this is the only logical method- we can’t interview God- we have to plead for an answer- and if needed- wait and listen to it. Theology thereby only covers what God desires us to know about him. It is not so much our efforts- as his.

Extent of revelation

As tradition (the unaltering interpretation of the message of God by the early- to modern church (”hold the message you heard from the begining”)) is required to interpret the scriptures- with God’s help- the church largely studies the early writings when interpreting verses in context of the times and context of the original writing. Private revelation- especially in clarifying such is also useful. God speaks via nature, via society, via systems and rules he allowed into being, and via scripture and our fellow men’s language and actions. Theology is not a realm for personal interpretation. It is not an art, but a science- it studies reality- thereby the piles of documents used by the church- are quite vital, as well as the guidance God gives the pope and magisterium- especially in the Ecunumical councils (see acts 15). Theology pertains eternal truths, and rests on the solid foundation of Papal infallibility. Whithout such- the word would be subject to any personal interpretation, and to the whims of every foundation. “The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth” ( one of St. Paul’s Epistles) and only from this foundation- from the very body of God’s son- can we venture into the dangerous realm of theology.

Theology is constant- it cannot be based on personal views

Newness, or novelty- is the food of heresy, such is not the aim of love which is truth. Orthodoxy and consistency is the aim of any loyal theologian. He furthers this with building on firm foundations, set by all before him- clarifying the known truths that have not altered in all eternity, as well as those which are traced back to the begining and to Jesus- yet outside of time- are also eternal. Theology must be done within the meaning and confines of the church. The Catholic encyclopedia has at least 100 000 articles, the catechism also is large. This is a firm foundation, along with the councils and many other tools- for the furthering of theology. God himself teaches the Christian- via the truth of the church, which is his body, or sometimes via other revelation. Theology is not subject to whim, but rather to truth.

Infallibility

stlazareth — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:12:04 +0000

Definition

Infallibility- state of being - ability to be-

free from error in certain circumstances.

Catholic Definition

Infallibility- The ability and guidance given to the Pope, and promised to the church- by God- safeguarding all “From the Chair” decisions- so far as they relate to Doctrine and morals. Infallibility only extends as far as these statements go, and is only in relation to subjects pertaining our spiritual edification.
Infallibility is not- applicable to the every day decisions of the pope- and the pope’s actions are not infallible- though probably more protected than most. The decision must be an official “From the Chair of Peter” decision, or that of an ecumenical council in obedience to the pope.

Why it is needed

Peter notes in his epistles- that the untaught pervert the scriptures- to their own destruction. It is also noted that Jesus opened the minds of his apostles to the scriptures. God also told Peter to take care of his sheep. If we did not need to be taken care of- God would not have said so.

How we have the bible

The 73 books of the bible, were accepted by A.D. 393 at the council of hippo. This was decreed by the authority of the church as shown in Acts chapter 15.

Bible on infallibility

Jesus noted that some hypocrites searched the scriptures- thinking they held salvation- but rejected him- salvation- when he was standing in front of them. Clearly- the scriptures needed to be interpreted correctly. (John 5 v 36-40)

God is also noted as prophesying via the High priest who demanded his crucifixion (John 11 v 51) the bible states that this was because of his position. This is furthered by Jesus’ command that his disciples should do as the hypocritical Pharisees said, but not what they did. This because they held the seat of moses. One must note that they were only to be accepted because God ordained them. It is only because the church is validly Apostolic- and not just claiming to be- that Catholics obey the Pope.

The Apostles, further- replaced Judas- showing succession- which is also recorded in the church Fathers- hundreds of years before Protestants existed. The bible shows this in the following(Acts 1 v 20) where Judas is replaced using a “Lot”. It is important that they did not get others to vote him in, but relied on God to choose- as the modern church does.

The church is further aided, and claims to be aided directly by God- in dealing with the Circumcision heresy (Acts 15 v 19,22-30) – despite discussing it themselves.

Peter, and others in their words, or in the case of St.Paul- their letters- also seem to claim to be infallible. Peter said that someone who lied to him had lied to God- he was not claiming to be God- but to represent him- in his office (his doctrine- he could still sin) infallibly (Acts 5 v 4).

Quotes on bible courtesy of http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/scripturalproofs

Resources on Papal Infallibility

Vatican

www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a3.htm

www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930324en.htmlwww.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930317en.htmlEternal