S
srjohnson529
Guest
I am currently in RCIA and my younger brother, who is Mormon, has asked me some questions regarding the papacy. I’ve written a response to him that I think is correct. However, being new to the faith, I would not want to write something false or misleading. Would you mind reading this response to make sure it is correct?
He wrote: Gotcha. And is it taught that the pope or bishops have direct revelation from god? Is pope and prophet pretty much the same thing?
My response: gifts. Prophecy is a spiritual gift just like revelation is a spiritual gift (1 Cor 12-14). The church teaches that public revelation, meaning revelation meant for all people, usually beginning with “thus saith the lord” ended with Christ, so the pope would not have the authority to make that sort of statement. Personal or private revelation is still on going and that’s true for everyone.
The pope isn’t like Joel or Isaiah. He is like Peter who at the council of Jerusalem (Act 15) made the final and declarative doctrinal statement for the church to follow. There, the apostles gathered to determine how the gentiles were to be converted and whether they were to obey Jewish customs. Peter, acting as the head of the church declared what was to happen.
The pope has final authority on matters of doctrine and morals. It is only there that the pope speaks from the seat of Peter. He cannot receive revelation that would change or conflict with established doctrine or morals.
End
If there is something missing or wrong could you provide me that information. Thank you
He wrote: Gotcha. And is it taught that the pope or bishops have direct revelation from god? Is pope and prophet pretty much the same thing?
My response: gifts. Prophecy is a spiritual gift just like revelation is a spiritual gift (1 Cor 12-14). The church teaches that public revelation, meaning revelation meant for all people, usually beginning with “thus saith the lord” ended with Christ, so the pope would not have the authority to make that sort of statement. Personal or private revelation is still on going and that’s true for everyone.
The pope isn’t like Joel or Isaiah. He is like Peter who at the council of Jerusalem (Act 15) made the final and declarative doctrinal statement for the church to follow. There, the apostles gathered to determine how the gentiles were to be converted and whether they were to obey Jewish customs. Peter, acting as the head of the church declared what was to happen.
The pope has final authority on matters of doctrine and morals. It is only there that the pope speaks from the seat of Peter. He cannot receive revelation that would change or conflict with established doctrine or morals.
End
If there is something missing or wrong could you provide me that information. Thank you