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In reply to the discussion: Leftist priests: Francis can fix church 'in ruins' [View all]Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)5. I don't think that's how the Catholic Church works.
It's like a big corporation, and he's the CEO. He has certain power, but ultimately, it's the corporation that is the great decider. The Pope didn't rise to power, wasn't born to the position. He was elected by the Board. They can take over ruthlessly if they feel the need. It would involve declaring him incapacitated, but the church has a long history of ruthlessness.
He is, I've read, more a symbol than a decision maker, although he can be that, too. But he can't declare the dogma and core beliefs of the church to be invalid, I believe.
The misperception is, however, that the church will change its dogmatic and many doctrinal teachings based on the will of the people or on popular opinion. That is just simply not the case.
These teachings of the Catholic Church are based on two things: Scripture (the Word of God) and Apostolic Tradition. The former, Scripture (the Bible), is the written Word of God and does not change. The New Testament books of the Bible are filled with the teachings of Jesus Christ who is the Teacher of the Truth and founder of the church. The traditions passed down from Jesus to the Apostles and then to their successors are the sacred truth.
The Holy Spirit is the guide and protector for the church (the people of God), and through its power, those doctrines of the church that are divinely revealed remain the truth despite the many flawed humans who lead it.
It is important to consider that the church, quite simply, is not a democracy. The church does not have the authority to change the teachings and traditions as taught and passed down by Jesus Christ based on cultural or popular opinion. For example, many would like to see the church change their teaching on abortion, an issue that the earliest church documents issued by the Apostles and their immediate successors deemed sinful and a violation of the fifth commandment of God. The church, therefore, will not change its teaching despite the numbers of pro-choice Catholics around the world.
These teachings of the Catholic Church are based on two things: Scripture (the Word of God) and Apostolic Tradition. The former, Scripture (the Bible), is the written Word of God and does not change. The New Testament books of the Bible are filled with the teachings of Jesus Christ who is the Teacher of the Truth and founder of the church. The traditions passed down from Jesus to the Apostles and then to their successors are the sacred truth.
The Holy Spirit is the guide and protector for the church (the people of God), and through its power, those doctrines of the church that are divinely revealed remain the truth despite the many flawed humans who lead it.
It is important to consider that the church, quite simply, is not a democracy. The church does not have the authority to change the teachings and traditions as taught and passed down by Jesus Christ based on cultural or popular opinion. For example, many would like to see the church change their teaching on abortion, an issue that the earliest church documents issued by the Apostles and their immediate successors deemed sinful and a violation of the fifth commandment of God. The church, therefore, will not change its teaching despite the numbers of pro-choice Catholics around the world.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/easton/topstories/x935171693/GUEST-COLUMN-The-church-the-new-pope-and-its-doctrine#axzz2RiuncHfs
It is important to remember that a new pope is not at all like a new president. The election of a new president generally means a transfer of power from one faction to another and portends changes to and reversals of the policies of the previous administration. However, the pope, as the Vicar, or representative, of Christ, is very different from a president. Rather than an executive charged with making policy decisions, he is the caretaker of eternal truths. If anything, a new pope is more like a new secretary of state or chief of staff within the same administration. It is an important office, to be sure, but the overarching philosophy, goals, and mission are coming from higher up the ranks.
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/4/12/pope-francis-harvard/
So it depends on whether a certain issue is part of the church's dogma, a teaching from Christ, or part of the church's bureaocracy and rules. That's my understanding.
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No, but like the Episcopal Church the Catholic Church can change it's views on things.
arely staircase
Apr 2013
#22
Honeycomb is correct. Your letting your own views color, your perception of what he's doing.
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#10
As a lapsed Catholic, frankly, I am willing to give this Pope a chance, since it's the first time
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#15
And end up dead with a "heart attack" The Vatican is like an ancient Asiatic Court
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#14
So they murder each other? But what about 'the Word of God' others are claiming
Bluenorthwest
Apr 2013
#16
Not often. And save the the "morality or religion" stuff for the faithful.
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#18
Likely not, if it's handled right, this Pope is running against a long tradition.
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#30
Yep, I really think he is campaigning for change. He simply has to be very careful.
Katashi_itto
Apr 2013
#31
Gay people and eating fish are examples of dogma and rules. The first is dogma...
Honeycombe8
Apr 2013
#21