Christ's Kingdom

[CollegeKid]

During Mass today, during the homily the priest reminded us of Christ’s admonition “my kingdom is not of this world.” I realize I’m probably oversimplifying the matter way too much, but how do we reconcile this statement with our Church having its own recognized government, and the fact that during certain parts of history it has excercised great temporal power over other countries? Thanks.

 

[DavidFilmer]

What you wish to “reconcile” is not in conflict. Don’t confuse the Kingodm of which Jesus speaks (namely the Kingdom of Heaven) with the governance of the Church. Although the Church is part of the Kingdom of Heaven, its governance is not.

Nothing about Church governance was instituted by Our Lord. Jesus gave us basic leadership (bishops and Popes) but He did not tell us how those leaders were to organize or exercise their authority (Jesus did not establish such a thing as a Cardinal or the College of Cardinals or Papal nuncios or any other such things).

As such, the governing structure of the Church is finite and subject to change. It is a purely human invention (and no theologian clamis otherwise) and is thus, by definition, of this world. From time to time, different leaders have organized and administered their authority differently as they see fit according to the circumstances of their time, which is their right and duty.

 

[CollegeKid]

DavidFilmer:

What you wish to “reconcile” is not in conflict. Don’t confuse the Kingodm of which Jesus speaks (namely the Kingdom of Heaven) with the governance of the Church. Although the Church is part of the Kingdom of Heaven, its governance is not.

Nothing about Church governance was instituted by Our Lord. Jesus gave us basic leadership (bishops and Popes) but He did not tell us how those leaders were to organize or exercise their authority (Jesus did not establish such a thing as a Cardinal or the College of Cardinals or Papal nuncios or any other such things).

As such, the governing structure of the Church is finite and subject to change. It is a purely human invention (and no theologian clamis otherwise) and is thus, by definition, of this world. From time to time, different leaders have organized and administered their authority differently as they see fit according to the circumstances of their time, which is their right and duty.

So I’m confusing the Kingdom of Heaven with the governance of the Church? One thing I’ve heard is that the Israelites (apostles included) were expecting the Messiah, whether or not they believed this person was Jesus, would restore Israel as a powerful kingdom in the world, and that Jesus was telling them they were mistaken when He said “my kingdom in not of this world.” I guess I’m just drawing parallels between the idea of Israel as a powerful nation-state and the Catholic Church as a real temporal ruler of countries throughout history, and as a church that also has its own globally-recognized government to this day (like the government of England, for example), and technically its own country, Vatican City.