Jesus not perfect in doing

[TobyLue]

This past Sunday during the homily the priest celebrating Mass said “Jesus was not perfect in doing and that is the reason he was tempted”. I asked him as I was leaving Mass and he was greeting everybody what he meant. He repeated himself that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing” because he not not risen yet. Other people were in line to greet him and I didn’t get an opportunity to ask him what he meant exactly. He started quoting other scriptures which I thought didn’t make sense. He will not be at the church for a few days.

Unfortunately I have caught him before in making erroneous statements that I sent a letter to the Bishop and was told later by another priest (They are priest from an order and thus may at times have 4-6 priest in residence) that his superior had a talk to him about his error. He stated that God did NOT know that Adam and Eve were going to sin otherwise he would not have created them. During a class I questioned him because he repeated himself during his talk. He added at that point that Jesus did not know that Judas was going to betray him. After I told him that God is omniscient and knows all he said that it was correct but that even though God knows when a person is going to sin, he does not know how they are going to sin. After I told him that it was heresy others came to his defense and I dropped it as I didn’t want to start a raucous at that point and I decided to send a letter to the Bishop and his superior. I received a reply from both that they hoped the priest’s statement would not diminish my faith and that they would take care of the situation.

I still don’t know what he meant by saying that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing”.

Anybody care to tackle that one?

Thanks

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

This past Sunday during the homily the priest celebrating Mass said “Jesus was not perfect in doing and that is the reason he was tempted”. I asked him as I was leaving Mass and he was greeting everybody what he meant. He repeated himself that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing” because he not not risen yet. Other people were in line to greet him and I didn’t get an opportunity to ask him what he meant exactly. He started quoting other scriptures which I thought didn’t make sense. He will not be at the church for a few days.

Unfortunately I have caught him before in making erroneous statements that I sent a letter to the Bishop and was told later by another priest (They are priest from an order and thus may at times have 4-6 priest in residence) that his superior had a talk to him about his error. He stated that God did NOT know that Adam and Eve were going to sin otherwise he would not have created them. During a class I questioned him because he repeated himself during his talk. He added at that point that Jesus did not know that Judas was going to betray him. After I told him that God is omniscient and knows all he said that it was correct but that even though God knows when a person is going to sin, he does not know how they are going to sin. After I told him that it was heresy others came to his defense and I dropped it as I didn’t want to start a raucous at that point and I decided to send a letter to the Bishop and his superior. I received a reply from both that they hoped the priest’s statement would not diminish my faith and that they would take care of the situation.

I still don’t know what he meant by saying that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing”.

Anybody care to tackle that one?

Thanks

I’ll tackle it. He is wrong. Sometimes priests are wrong…
Imagine your errors people analyzed your every theological opinion and you had to give a 20 minute speech on it every single Sunday.

 

[adamhovey1988]

This past Sunday during the homily the priest celebrating Mass said “Jesus was not perfect in doing and that is the reason he was tempted”. I asked him as I was leaving Mass and he was greeting everybody what he meant. He repeated himself that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing” because he not not risen yet. Other people were in line to greet him and I didn’t get an opportunity to ask him what he meant exactly. He started quoting other scriptures which I thought didn’t make sense. He will not be at the church for a few days.

Unfortunately I have caught him before in making erroneous statements that I sent a letter to the Bishop and was told later by another priest (They are priest from an order and thus may at times have 4-6 priest in residence) that his superior had a talk to him about his error. He stated that God did NOT know that Adam and Eve were going to sin otherwise he would not have created them. During a class I questioned him because he repeated himself during his talk. He added at that point that Jesus did not know that Judas was going to betray him. After I told him that God is omniscient and knows all he said that it was correct but that even though God knows when a person is going to sin, he does not know how they are going to sin. After I told him that it was heresy others came to his defense and I dropped it as I didn’t want to start a raucous at that point and I decided to send a letter to the Bishop and his superior. I received a reply from both that they hoped the priest’s statement would not diminish my faith and that they would take care of the situation.

I still don’t know what he meant by saying that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing”.

Anybody care to tackle that one?

Thanks

I love doing Biblical apologetics. Do you remember what verses he quoted? Remember, priests can be heretics (Arius, for instance). In his defense, he may really have not been taught any better. Not that he doesn’t know what he said is not theologically orthodox, I mean he may have very well been taught that he is allowed to defend the opinion he has. Not saying that happened, but just keep it open as a possibility.

 

[TobyLue]

Oh, Sorry but I left one thing out. The priest said that was the reason Jesus said to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect and not be perfect as I am perfect.

 

[adamhovey1988]

Oh, Sorry but I left one thing out. The priest said that was the reason Jesus said to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect and not be perfect as I am perfect.

Hebrews 4:15 would be a good verse. Not a direct quote from Jesus, but, you know, it’s in the Bible. I think John 14:7-11 may be a help. Don’t just keep slinging scripture though. That may not get you anywhere. Ask why he thinks what he is saying is correct.

 

[Convert_in_99]

This past Sunday during the homily the priest celebrating Mass said “Jesus was not perfect in doing and that is the reason he was tempted”. I asked him as I was leaving Mass and he was greeting everybody what he meant. He repeated himself that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing” because he not not risen yet. Other people were in line to greet him and I didn’t get an opportunity to ask him what he meant exactly. He started quoting other scriptures which I thought didn’t make sense. He will not be at the church for a few days.

Unfortunately I have caught him before in making erroneous statements that I sent a letter to the Bishop and was told later by another priest (They are priest from an order and thus may at times have 4-6 priest in residence) that his superior had a talk to him about his error. He stated that God did NOT know that Adam and Eve were going to sin otherwise he would not have created them. During a class I questioned him because he repeated himself during his talk. He added at that point that Jesus did not know that Judas was going to betray him. After I told him that God is omniscient and knows all he said that it was correct but that even though God knows when a person is going to sin, he does not know how they are going to sin. After I told him that it was heresy others came to his defense and I dropped it as I didn’t want to start a raucous at that point and I decided to send a letter to the Bishop and his superior. I received a reply from both that they hoped the priest’s statement would not diminish my faith and that they would take care of the situation.

I still don’t know what he meant by saying that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing”.

Anybody care to tackle that one?

Thanks

I think you need to continue to inform the bishop of this priest’s errors in basic Catholic doctrine. His erroneous beliefs could harm so many people. Especially youth or those who are weak or poorly educated in their faith. Believe me, grade school children know these basic teachings. I would not continue to attend this parish either, especially if you have children.

 

[anon98328916]

Jesus is the Son of God…of course He is perfect.

 

[JurisPrudens]

Oh, Sorry but I left one thing out. The priest said that was the reason Jesus said to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect and not be perfect as I am perfect.

A perfect person would never admit openly that he is perfect.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God.”

These are the opening words of John’s gospel. They establish who Jesus is. He is God. He always was. And God is perfect.

 

[pianistclare]

Right.

Please don’t run to the Bishop.
People always say this. it nearly never turns out the way people expect.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Right.

Please don’t run to the Bishop.
People always say this. it nearly never turns out the way people expect.

If not the Bishop, where do you go? This priest should be corrected in his erroneous theology. I’m not sure of the exact proceedings but this priest needs correction in a big way.

 

[pianistclare]

If not the Bishop, where do you go? This priest should be corrected in his erroneous theology. I’m not sure of the exact proceedings but this priest needs correction in a big way.

You go directly to the source with a good catechetical background and have a sincere talk with him, respecting his office.

But running and “tattling” is almost never appreciated or applauded by anyone.
All priests get a copy of complaints leveled against them, and by whom.
When the priest is upset about it, (right or wrong) you’ll probably be asked to find a new parish.
People leave the church over these things.
We had a Deacon say during a homily that he suspected that Jesus was not sitting on a throne in heaven.
What he meant to say was that he believed that Jesus was working in the world, helping the poor, etc.
A weird opener for his homily, but I remember many people freaked out.

I took it with a grain of salt.
Sometimes the homilies are wonderful (most of the time) and sometimes the words come out wonky.
I’m willing to believe that this particular “offense” wasn’t exactly stayed well.
Getting him crossways with his boss, isn’t going to help that.
Only a sincere dialog will clear the air.
:twocents:

More helpful would be to pray for vocations.

 

[fisherman_carl]

A perfect person would never admit openly that he is perfect.

We know that Scripture says that Jesus was like us in all things except sin. However, Scripture also says that Jesus grew in knowledge and wisdom. In other words his human nature had to grow and learn just like any human. Just because that human nature is joined to his divine nature doesn’t mean he knew everything. For instance he didn’t know the day or the hour of his return. So I wonder if it is possible that Jesus did not even know whether he was perfect or not. It’s hard for instance for humans to know what perfection even is. (Although Jesus’ vision of perfection seemed to be about being merciful to your enemies) . Perhaps he left that in his Father’s hands. He just strove to do whatever his Father’s will was. I know St. Paul says not to judge ourselves and let God be the judge. Perhaps Jesus’ focus was more on God the Father than his own performance. He did say he only did what he saw the Father doing.

 

[fisherman_carl]

This past Sunday during the homily the priest celebrating Mass said “Jesus was not perfect in doing and that is the reason he was tempted”. I asked him as I was leaving Mass and he was greeting everybody what he meant. He repeated himself that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing” because he not not risen yet. Other people were in line to greet him and I didn’t get an opportunity to ask him what he meant exactly. He started quoting other scriptures which I thought didn’t make sense. He will not be at the church for a few days.

Unfortunately I have caught him before in making erroneous statements that I sent a letter to the Bishop and was told later by another priest (They are priest from an order and thus may at times have 4-6 priest in residence) that his superior had a talk to him about his error. He stated that God did NOT know that Adam and Eve were going to sin otherwise he would not have created them. During a class I questioned him because he repeated himself during his talk. He added at that point that Jesus did not know that Judas was going to betray him. After I told him that God is omniscient and knows all he said that it was correct but that even though God knows when a person is going to sin, he does not know how they are going to sin. After I told him that it was heresy others came to his defense and I dropped it as I didn’t want to start a raucous at that point and I decided to send a letter to the Bishop and his superior. I received a reply from both that they hoped the priest’s statement would not diminish my faith and that they would take care of the situation.

I still don’t know what he meant by saying that Jesus was not perfect “in his doing”.

Anybody care to tackle that one?

Thanks

Perhaps the priest doesn’t know English very well. Obviously Jesus in his humanity didn’t have perfect knowledge. He had to grow in knowledge and wisdom as Scripture says. And after his Resurrection and Ascension he was at the right hand of the Father, so that would be different since he would be omnipotent.

Jesus was perfectly without sin and perfectly followed his Father’s will. Yet, he still had to grow and mature. His Father would not have expected as much from him as a young child, etc. He had to as Scripture says become obedient through his sufferings. As he grew older his Father would have expected more. Yet He would not have given him more than what he could handle at the stage of life he was in.

However, the priest by saying that Jesus was not perfect because he was tempted would be wrong. Now we know God can not be tempted. But, could Jesus in his humanity be tempted? Sure. Jesus was fasting for 40 days. Stick a piece of bread in front of him and sure in his humanity he could be tempted. (In his humanity he sweated drops of blood at the last supper, and asked the Father if this cup could be taken away from him, but ultimately gave in to his Father’s will). However, this temptation is not from a disorder within Jesus. Because Jesus wasn’t being tempted to do something evil. Eating is not evil. He was being tempted with something good, but in a way that is the devil’s will and contrary to God’s will. If Jesus was less than perfect he could have given into temptation. But the Scripture lets us know that Jesus was like us in every way except he did not give into temptation but was obedient until death.

Jesus by being tempted by the devil, but resisting him, is a contast to Adam who gave into temptation in the garden. The second Adam, Jesus undoes the damage of the first and shows us the way.