Luther believed and now Christians believe that salvation is obtained individually. That is, we only have to believe in Jesus to be saved. What is the pupose of having a Pope? Is he a "special messenger to GOd? I highly doubt it. Why do we need a human being representing the whole crowd? Salvation cannot be obtained through Pope. It can be obtained just through Jesus.
2007-03-19 16:18:53 · 22 answers · asked by dk 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
seeing someone who wears a silly hat, and who lets thousands of priests get away with rape and molestation. pretty neat, huh? and you get neat robes and sceptres, too!!
2007-03-19 16:21:24 · answer #1 · answered by jen1981everett 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
What is the purpose of having a Pope? No purpose. Only the Catholics & Orthodox need the Pope.
The name "Christian" was given to the followers of Christ. This means that Jesus is our high priest forever. What about followers of Popes? They are called Catholics and Orthodox. I hope the Pope save them.
The Bible says of Jesus that there is no other name by which men can be saved Acts 4:12. (No purpose for the Pope)
There is only one mediator between God and men, and that is Jesus Christ 1 Timothy 2:5. (No purpose for the Pope)
As you can see that there is no Biblical foundation for claiming to be a representative of Christ on earth.
No man could do what Christ has done or what Christ is now doing on behalf of humankind. Jesus Christ is the one who says He will build His church, He never delegates this power.
This “vicar of Christ” is not a priest, high priest, bishop or any pope. The only Biblical “vicar of Christ” is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Teacher (John 14:26) and guide into all truth (John 16:13).
2007-03-20 16:30:31 · answer #2 · answered by House Speaker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pope used to be the head of a powerful governmental force. His function was similar to the role of king in a monarchy, before the beginning of democracy and the concept of self-governance.
Today the pope is conceived of as more of a spiritual leader than anything else. Not that I see a reason for one, especially when people can come to spiritual conclusions on their own, and the pope's doctrine is often sexist and unconscionable (no female priests and no birth control or condoms for aids).
Then again, if that's how someone wants to direct their life or religion, then they're free to do so. It's just not for me.
2007-03-19 23:25:33 · answer #3 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having a Pope gives someone for the muslims to hate.
2007-03-19 23:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is a figure-head.....that is what he represents. Nothing against him. That is how the human race designed the 'religionous' perspective. The Pope is a representation of 'Jesus". The fact is you know the answer to it all....Peace to ya, friend.
2007-03-19 23:25:29 · answer #5 · answered by samaustinashlee_billiewjr 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The papacy was instituted by Christ Himself (see Matthew 16:17-19 and John 21:15-17).
2007-03-19 23:28:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Catholics claim Peter was the First Pope "The Rock".
BUT......
Peter: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:16"
Then Jesus answered Peter:
"... thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18
-Catholicism contends that the Lord was referring to Peter as "the rock", and has since built the entire Catholic religion upon that premise.
But all other pertinent Scriptures declare that Jesus was referring to Himself as the rock, Not Peter:
"... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4
Jesus is not only the rock, He is the chief cornerstone of the church:
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" Ephesians 2:20
http://www.bible.ca/catholic-infallibility.htm
2007-03-19 23:22:09 · answer #7 · answered by RR 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
We don't need a "pope"...except that they have revealed themselves to be the very antichrist priests that we were warned of.
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
Luther also believed the "pontiff" to be "the man of sin" in his later writings..check thenm out here:
http://www.iconbusters.com/iconbusters/htm/true_ch/witn/html/luth1.htm
2007-03-19 23:26:27 · answer #8 · answered by Kenneth 4 · 1⤊ 5⤋
he's the head of the Catholic religion only- if you are not a catholic- then what do you care? Nobodies saying that christians have to pay him any heed.
Unless you wanted to just attack and insult catholics, what do you care?
2007-03-19 23:22:53 · answer #9 · answered by pavano_carl 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To prevent the Catholic Church from fracturing into thousands of sects as the Protestants have done.
When everyone interprets the Bible as he or she sees fit, who is correct?
2007-03-19 23:39:29 · answer #10 · answered by iraqisax 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
He's a dinosaur - to be sure. Someone has to take care of the obscene hoard of Catholic wealth.
2007-03-19 23:23:54 · answer #11 · answered by HarryTikos 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋