INFALLIBILITY
Matthew 5:48-“Your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” |
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ROME SAYSThe dogma of Papal infallibility is one of the chief teachings of the Roman Catholic Church today. This is a direct result of the dogma being established by Vatican Council I in 1870. The basic Catholic teaching is this: a special gift given whereby the Church is preserved free from all error in its teaching in matters of faith and morals. This extends to all definitions of popes, decrees of general councils, creeds and all professions of faith. It is also decreed when doctrines are unanimously taught by the bishops of the world. When the Pope speaks “ex-cathedra” (from the chair) as the head of the Church and by virtue of his office and apostolic authority, his decrees must be adhered to and obeyed by the entire Church. Because of his supreme apostolic authority in his office as Pastor and Doctor of all Christians passed on by apostolic secession from Blessed Peter by Divine assistance, the Pontiff cannot error when defining doctrine regarding Faith and Morals. The doctrine of the infallibility of the Pope as held by the Church and understood by the people in practical terms means that the Pope cannot and does not make any mistakes in any of his teachings or statements. Therefore, the utterances and statements of all the Popes are absolutely true and without error. Since no Pope can speak error, all the popes were in fact infallible. Thus the supposed papal infallibility covers everything. From the DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION of Vatican Council I. we teach and define as a divinely revealed dogma that
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TRUE BIBLICAL ANSWERPrior to Vatican Council I in 1870, the Roman Catholic Church did not have an article of faith stating be absolute infallibility of the Pope. At this Council, there was a great debate among the Theologians of the Catholic Church regarding the doctrine of infallibility. Bishop Strossmayer, Dr. Dollinger, Bishop Kendrick as well as many of the European prelates vigorously opposed this doctrine. In fact, immediately after the dogma of papal infallibility was decreed, many bishops, priests and entire congregations withdrew from the Roman Catholic church and formed the evangelical Catholic Church. If it can be proven that even one Pope was fallible, and all the popes must be fallible. Papal infallibility completely stands or falls on the premise that all the Popes have agreed absolutely in all their teachings and dogmas. If it can be proven that even one Pope contradicted or disagreed with another Pope, then the dogma of infallibility crumbles before our very eyes. My first question logically is, “If all the Popes were supposed to be infallible, why did it take 1800 years for the Roman Catholic Church to issue the dogma of infallibility?” Let me cite just a few examples of obvious contradictions between Popes. These are irrefutable facts of history that cannot be denied by the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Pope Honorous I was denounced, after his death, by the Sixth Council in AD 680, as a heretic. Pope Leo II confirmed this condemnation of a heretic, and so did succeeding councils. 2. Pope Gregory I called anyone Antichrist who took the title of Universal Bishop, which is one of the titles that all modern popes have taken. 3. Pope Pascal II and the Pope Eugenius III authorized dueling; but Pope Julius II and Pope Pius IV as well as other popes forbade it. 4. Pope Adrian II declared civil marriages to be valid; but Pope Pius VII condemn them. 5. Pope Sixtus V published an edition of the Bible, and by a Papal Bull recommended it to be read; but Pope Pius VII condemn the reading of it and ordered copies to be burned. 6. Pope Clement XIV abolished the order of the Jesuits, permitted by Pope Paul III; but Pope Pius VII reestablished it.
This is merely a partial listing of contradictions bypassed Popes. The Stern irrefutable facts of history then prove that none of the Popes were in fact infallible. Furthermore, history also shows that at certain times in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, there were two or even three Popes at the same time each rivaling the other. Each would issue condemnations of the other and all claim to be the true Pope. For instance, Pope Clement III was opposed by Pope Urban II. Pope Alexander III had a rival and Pope Clement V. Both claimed the Papacy at the same time. WHICH ONE WAS RIGHT? Where was Papal infallibility during the “Great Schism” which started in AD 1378 and lasted for 50 years? The Italian Cardinals chose Pope Urban VI while the French Cardinal chose Pope Clement VII. These two popes cursed each other year after year and each excommunicated the other. WHICH ONE OF THEM, IF EITHER, was the true Pope during this 50 year period? These are just a few of the historical facts that the Catholic Church cannot refute or deny. However, they merely gloss them over and pronounce curses “anathemas” on all who bring up the facts. The office of Pope is not found or taught in the New Testament. Certainly Peter was not the first Pope and never claimed to be. Certainly the dogma of infallibility is not found in the New Testament either. The Bible is infallible and not the Pope. The Lord Jesus recognized the need for an Infallible Teacher for his Church, and authorize the Holy Spirit as the One who would lead into all truth. John 16:13 –“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” I John 2:27 –“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” |
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