It is an obvious fact that Christ instituted a hierarchial structure in His Church. First, Jesus says, in Matt. ch.5 v.17-20 “I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it…” In this we can see that Christ did not come to just begin some new religion, but to transform the Jewish religion into a more perfect state. Thus, much of the former would remain while the things in themselves would have a mich higher and spiritual meaning.
We could prove a religion is valid by a comparison to the old Jewish religion, in that they should resemble one another. While certain practices of old seem barbaric, yet they still exist in the perfect state which Christ transformed them.
It is a fact that when God instituted the priesthood of the Israelites, He placed Aaron above all of the others. This can be seen in the vestments which Aaron wore, and which were passed on to His successor. We can also see in the new testament, in the Gospels, an almost disgust at the degree to which this priesthood had fallen. They were selling and buying the highpriests place as if it were of no other (name removed by moderator)ortance than that of a place of honor.
God does not change, and Jesus made all things new, in that He restored things as they should be. Peter made head of his fellow bishops, not to rule over them, but rather to be the final say when difficult issues would arise. As God guided Aaron of old when difficluties arose, so too does He now when questions of difficulty arise that seperate the bretheren.
How is it that no matter which religion one belongs to, they try to justify their position on purely human ideas? It has been told to us through the apostles and Christ to hold to ALL Truth and Sacred Tradition. Is it out of pride that some denounce the pope , so as to make it so no one is in authority over them? If even a miserable layman such as myself can see the great and Infinite Wisdom of God within His Church, how is it that those who have for more knowledge and a capacity for truth miss it through self pride?
Was it not said so famously “I will not serve”? I do not suppose that people today, for the most part, go as far as to say “I will not serve.” Rather they opt for the paradox in which is said “give me the fellowship and feel good activities of the church, but do not give me any authoritative truth which is in direct conflict with the way I choose to live.” Thus they detest that which leads them to salvation and choose for the flower laced snares of that life which lines the wide path to perdition.