Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Jennifer Henkel
Supporter
The infallibility of the pope is a man made doctrine, NOT Biblical, and is self-serving on the part of the church and the man who claims to speak for Christ. Many of the "infallible" pronouncements are full of error. Depend on the Bible for your guidance, not Church doctrine.
Emo Tenorio
Supporter
A very causal review of history points to the simple fact that it's not possible for mortal man to be infallible, no matter the nice theatricals one includes. World history points to and scripture states there was only One infallible person who ever walked this earth, and that person was our Lord! Any false claim by any other is narcissistic at it's core and in error Jude 1-25 In the Lord's freedom and grace...warrior on
JD Abshire
Supporter
God and His Word are the final authority. We should follow no man regardless of denomination but be as the Bereans. Search the scriptures to make sure what is being preached or taught aligns with the Word(Acts (17:11). Man is fallible, prone to sin and error. The pulpit is a safe haven for many, not just Catholics. Luke 12:46 "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;" Luke 12:47 "Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation." 1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" 1Ti 4:2 "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" 1Ti 4:3 "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
Nathan Toronga
Supporter
Dear Kip, indeed ALL have sinned. No mortal is infallible. James summarizes the position at James 3:2. "We all stumble in many ways..." The Apostle Paul recommended that believers should check even apostolic teachings against Scripture. Acts 17:11. This claim of infallibility is a trick so that you let down your guard, and so that you can accept all the heretic teachings of the papacy without question. Demonic teachings like purgatory, worship and prayers to the dead, idolatry and similar satanic teachings issuing from them. Don't buy it. Hang on to your bible. It's the ONLY source of truth, against which EVERY TEACHING MUST BE TESTED. In the event of a conflict, THE BIBLE MUST PREVAIL. Bless.
Tony Flores
Supporter
I agree with Jennifer, the Pope is a sinner like the rest of humanity. Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life that we can depend through Faith that leads to the only Door to get into Heaven. Jesus is the only man that never sinned, He was the God/Man that came to undo the fall in the Garden of Eden. The First Commandment states that God is the only God we should have. That is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, whom 12 sons became Israel. We should confess our sins to our God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and not to men who are just like us, Sinners whom need forgiveness them selves. If you don't know who this God is, then look at Jesus Christ whom He sent for us to know Him, for Jesus and His Father are one with the Holy Spirit.
Brandon Hughes
Supporter
It seems that many of the answers stem from mis-information about what the infallibility of the Pope actually is. First Vatican Council, session 4, ch 4: "...when the Roman Pontiff speaks EX CATHEDRA, that is, when, in the exercise of his office as shepherd and teacher of all Christians, in virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals to be held by the whole Church, he possesses, by the divine assistance promised to him in blessed Peter, that infallibility which the divine Redeemer willed his Church to enjoy in defining doctrine concerning faith or morals." When the Pope speaks from his chair on the subjects of faith and morals, only at that time is he considered to be speaking infallibly. Be careful though, it is the position of the Roman Church that if you don't believe this you are condemned to hell. Infallibility is a strange thing though. Were all the Popes infallible before 1869 when this was written? What about instances when certain Popes contradict other Popes? Or what if a Pope said something ex cathedra that turned out to be false? The real power lies with those in the Roman Church who get to decide what is infallible and what is not. Any inconvenient statements or teachings any Pope has made or will make can be easily taken care of by the leaders in the church simply saying: "Oh, that Pope was not speaking infallibly at the time when he said that". So we see Papal infallibility is really a house of cards, it is the infallible leaders in the Roman Church who infallibly decide what is or is not infallible when the Pope infallibly speaks... BTW: I, as a regular guy can be infallible when I say 2+2=4 or when I make any other factual statement.
Karen Torres
Supporter
We can practice traditions of our churches as long as they don't conflict with the teachings of the word of God in the Bible. It's a measuring stick. And we all know there are many scriptures like the ones in Galatians that talk about not trusting the teachings of man. If we start questioning the Bible being the divinely inspired word of God we will get into all kinds of trouble.
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
Let me break up my answer in three parts: 1. Although Peter is a sinner, Jesus promised to protect him from teaching error. 2. Jesus is setting Peter up as a Prime Minster role in this new kingdom. 3. The powers and authority of this Prime Minister role is passed on to the next successor. Although Peter is a sinner, Jesus promised to protect him from teaching error. "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) This is the divine assurance that Christ endows Peter. It is quite overwhelming, if you think about it, "The gates of hell shall not prevail againts it." Jesus is setting Peter up as a Prime Minster role in this new kingdom. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19) The keys of the kingdom signify a Prime Minister role. The last time this phrase was spoken was to Eliakim when he is being set up as the new Prime Minster. (Isaiah 22:22) The powers and authority of this Prime Minister role is passed on to the next successor. Authority designated by the keys is being passed Shebna to Eliakim. (Isaiah 22:21) He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. While the king is a father to all of God's people, the Prime Minister is also a father. The Latin word "papa", origin of the English word "pope", means "father".
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible