Holy Father is a Name for God The Father John 17:11 Not The Pope, Blasphemy Definition

[timothyu]

As I said, the Catholic Church was in existence before one word of the New Testament was written.

This is relatively true but the Jesus movement, the original followers... existed even before the later named universal church. So you have every right to lay claim to your movement and what it has produced, but not the original and primarily Essene sect of the Jewish religion Jesus, John, and even Paul complemented or we would as a whole still follow it today. Knowing the origins and history, the foundation of what became Christianity is essential. It didn't start with Jesus, it ended, and we all grew out of it Universal, Protestant, Essene or whatever, as long as God is the ultimate authourity and we follow His will over our own, we can't ask for more. To dust we shall return.

 

[d taylor]

Please no slurs.

-
​

I adjusted my post

 

[JulieB67]

Why question God appointing a shepherd for his Church on earth? Realize God's ways are far above our ways.

It's not about questioning God. It is about following Christ when he states we can know someone by their fruits. So that can let us know if this person is of God or not. That is definitely something we should question and should always watch out for. We know the last pope tried to appease certain groups -blessings for same sex couples, etc. Which even didn't make sense for some Catholics on these boards because according to them everyone receives certain blessings. So it was definitely more about optics and politics imo than pleasing our Father which those blessings would definitely not please him. And I personally don't believe those blessings would come from God regardless.

So according to your post, you believe God appointed the last pope?

 

[Valletta]

-
​

I adjusted my post

Thanks.

 

[Valletta]

It's not about questioning God. It is about following Christ when he states we can know someone by their fruits. So that can let us know if this person is of God or not. That is definitely something we should question and should always watch out for. We know the last pope tried to appease certain groups -blessings for same sex couples, etc. Which even didn't make sense for some Catholics on these boards because according to them everyone receives certain blessings. So it was definitely more about optics and politics imo than pleasing our Father which those blessings would definitely not please him. And I personally don't believe those blessings would come from God regardless.

So according to your post, you believe God appointed the last pope?

God appointed the first pope and created the office. The ways of God are far beyond my comprehension, we can pray and hope. Pope Francis emphasized compassion, and while individual gay people can be blessed in no way can a "gay marriage" be blessed. Unfortunately many of the policies of Francis created confusion when people needed clarity. One could conclude just the opposite, that Francis emphasized compassion and was not concerned with the optics--I can't judge the man. Even saints have blind spots. For example, I don't think that Catholics who promote open borders realize the destruction caused by the criminals and human trafficking that comes with it.

 

[JulieB67]

and while individual gay people can be blessed

By God? In what way? Anyone and that includes everyone living in habitual sin (no matter what the sin is) is walking in darkness. It's only when we get back on the path and walk in the light that we can receive blessings from our Father. If I sin and continue to willingly do so, I am not walking in the light therefore I should not receive a blessing.

. One could conclude just the opposite, that Francis emphasized compassion and was not concerned with the optics

If he wasn't concerned by the optics, why single out same sex couples in the first place? That's my point. According to you and others all receive individual blessings. So why did he specifically single them out? Our Father is compassionate and always ready to forgive but this sends a strong message that there is nothing to seek repentance for. If they continue to walk in darkness because they have received those blessings, they are being sent on the wrong path.

-I can't judge the man

It's not about judging it's about discerning by what type of fruit one produces.

Even saints have blind spots.

I think blessing same sex couples (or gay individuals) goes way beyond a blind spot. And it has nothing to do with compassion. I myself love all people. But it's the message it sends by giving the blessing.

God appointed the first pope and created the office.

That's another topic altogether that I won't go into....

For example, I don't think that Catholics who promote open borders realize the destruction caused by the criminals and human trafficking that comes with it.

I agree with this but again, I think it's entirely different when it comes to handing out blessings.

 

[Valletta]

By God? In what way? Anyone and that includes everyone living in habitual sin (no matter what the sin is) is walking in darkness. It's only when we get back on the path and walk in the light that we can receive blessings from our Father. If I sin and continue to willingly do so, I am not walking in the light therefore I should not receive a blessing.


If he wasn't concerned by the optics, why single out same sex couples in the first place? That's my point. According to you and others all receive individual blessings. So why did he specifically single them out? Our Father is compassionate and always ready to forgive but this sends a strong message that there is nothing to seek repentance for. If they continue to walk in darkness because they have received those blessings, they are being sent on the wrong path.

There are many people in habitual sin and not only can they receive a blessing---they need it. Maybe he felt same sex couples were being singled out, it is not mine to judge him.

 

[Jipsah]

-

​

The catholic church has more problems than just this. Mainly their works belief in receiving God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation.

​

THere's no problem with the notion that we save ourselves by believing/accepting/following/doing/not doing, right?

 

[Jipsah]

Bible believing Christians? Like the Catholics?

Nah, they don't believe what I believe the Bible really means, so they're wrong.

 

[timothyu]

Nah, they don't believe what I believe the Bible really means, so they're wrong.

Re-watched Two Popes last night for the fun of it. Apart from the different ideals of the two, what stood out, at least in the movie, is that the Kingdom was on both minds. They just saw it in different ways, one following the traditions of man and the other following the two commandments. There is talk at present of this church ending and who will be the last pope, but it got me to wondering that it wouldn't be because a pope went rogue and served the anti-christ, but simply that the church decided to follow instead the will of God and become obsolete in the ways we've come to know it.