Proof for praying to saints

[guanophore]

Makes me wonder what in the world kind of trouble or sin you got yourself into a some point in your life…

If you are really wanting to know, click on his username and choose the link “view all posts”. He has made no secret here about his life. Perhaps, if you read some of his history, you can take him better with a grain of salt. He does come across pretty roughshod at times, and this makes sense in the light of his experience.

We do the Lords supper “In remembrance of Me”, just as scripture and the Apostles followed did. I know by your law I am anathema. None of the people that came to Jesus on the Bread of Life sermon, came and asked for a taste of His flesh and to drink of His blood…because they knew it was a metaphor.

Jesus had not yet given them the Last Supper, so they had to believe and follow in faith. If you study the rememberance meal, you will see that Passover is an amanesis, a rememberance that is “enacted”. During the enactment, the participants consume the meal. This is the type of remberance Jesus is speaking about here. He does this in the context of the Passover to show that He Himself is the Lamb that must be consumed.

I am not sure what this has to do with praying to the saints, though.

Just like the Samaritan woman at the well did not try to drink Jesus.

We don’t know this. For all we know, she became part of the early church, and received the Body and Blood with them after her conversion.

The renting of the temple by God exposing the Holy of Holies was the end of the OT sacrifices and the beginning of the New Covenant, where those who worship and believe in Him will be saved.

Yes. We do not make any new sacrifices. We present the once for all sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Divine Liturgy brings us through time to the foot of the cross, and into the upper room, where we can join our “rememberance” with the Apostles, Prophets, and saints who have gone on before us. This Holy Sacrifice is the most pure prayer, in which we join with the saints.

 

[guanophore]

Read Hewbrews 7,8 and 9 and look at the Levi priesthood in relation to Jesus, from the order of Melchizedek, then goes into the what specifically makes them different…One problem with the Levi priesthood is that they kept dying, whereas the Melchizedek priesthood was everlasting without beginning. The Levites had to keep on sacrificing animals to cover sin for himself and the rest of Israel, but when God made the perfect sacrifice, Jesus; there were no more sacrifices needed because that one sacrifice paid the penalty for all sins to those who believe in the only begotten son, the Lord Jesus…this is why Scripture states that Jesus SAT at the right hand of God, something the Levites could never do because their work was never done.

NC, all of what you have said here is Catholic. What is the point you are trying to make? Does this have anything to do with praying to the saints? Sorry I am having trouble following your train here.

 

[guanophore]

"realcatholicgk:

Who actually cares if it is in the Bible? The scriptures are not a blueprint. They are worship documents, tales, stories, Poems, prayers collected by the Jewish and Catholic worshipers to help them understand God. They were later counterfeited and changed, corrupted and false made into some perverted idol in the 1500’s by foolish heretics.

the quote above is what I refer you to in it entire context…he/she trashed the Bible, should bother any Christian…that’s all I am saying. Nothing wrong with Psalms or proverbs, stories or tales, but the message, context and wording is offensive.

Oh! I see. Ok, GK is tno trashing the Bible, but what heretical groups have done with the bible. Once the Holy Scripture was separated from the Sacred Tradition that produced it, all sorts of errors erupted. The Reformers did change the Bible, and formed couterfeit ecclesiastical communities based upon the the changes they introduced, both inside the Scripture, and out of it. It is also true that the Scripture has been made into an idol by some foolish heretics. Most of them cannot be charged with the sin of heresy, however, because they inherited this wrong teaching from their ancestors, and never learned any better. The most they can say about them is that they are misled, and ignorant.

He is not criticizing the Scriptures, but the misuse of them. One of those misuses is to find fault with the ancient Christian practice of praying to the saints. Since many moder day evangelicals cannot see this in their bible, and they are separated from the Sacred Tradition that produced it, they believe it is not of God.

 

[guanophore]

“Do this in remembrance of me”

The context of the passage is the key to the understanding of the single verse. It is a salvation message and he made a comparison prior to that concerning the manna that fell out of the sky and fed the Israelites in the desert, no I am the real Bread of Life, eat my flesh and drink my blood and you will live forever, it metaphoric, just as the other examples you listed above. In other words come to Me and believe, I am the true manna that comes from heaven and gives eternal life.

How do you account for the fact that all His disciples and Apostles that believed in Him misunderstood what He meant? Was he just too tired of explaining Himself, and gave up, leaving them in their misunderstanding? Did He really not care enough about what they thought that He decided it was ok to leave them thinking the wrong thing? Did He lose His omnipotent power, and was weak and could not make them understand? How come He let them get so far off track?

 

[Church_Militant]

"Do this in remembrance

of me"

The context of the passage is the key to the understanding of the single verse. It is a salvation message and he made a comparison prior to that concerning the manna that fell out of the sky and fed the Israelites in the desert, no I am the real Bread of Life, eat my flesh and drink my blood and you will live forever, it metaphoric, just as the other examples you listed above. In other words come to Me and believe, I am the true manna that comes from heaven and gives eternal life.That is not true…also it’s off topic for this thread.

Maybe you can read the following old thread of mine (or at least through post 20 or so there) and respond to that. There is nothing in the New Testament that even remotely infers that that statement is metaphoric or symbolic.

The Eucharist IS Scriptural!

 

[NonCatholic]

bookgirl32:

Why didn’t He call them back and say, “This is a metaphor, stop!” Were they walking away b/c they didn’t believe in anything He’d said at all?

First, verse 63 gives the answer to what Jesus was referring to.

Second, one of the themes in the book of John provides a record of how men /women responded to Jesus and the salvation he offered.
In general John focuses on 1) Jesus as the Word, Messiah, and Son of God, 2) who brings the gift of salvation to mankind 3) who either accepts or rejects the offer.

We are off the topic of praying to saints…agree

 

[bookgirl32]

First, verse 63 gives the answer to what Jesus was referring to.

Second, one of the themes in the book of John provides a record of how men /women responded to Jesus and the salvation he offered.
In general John focuses on 1) Jesus as the Word, Messiah, and Son of God, 2) who brings the gift of salvation to mankind 3) who either accepts or rejects the offer.

We are off the topic of praying to saints…agree

As to verse 63, knew you were going to say that. But that didn’t stop them from leaving, so why did they leave, if verse 63 was actually Jesus saying “I don’t mean literally” (which, by the way, is not what he said in verse 63, of course it’s spiritual as well. Why do you have such a problem with physical, sensate things being spiritual as well?)

Yes, off topic, but can’t resist.

 

[BMSODM]

As to verse 63, knew you were going to say that. But that didn’t stop them from leaving, so why did they leave, if verse 63 was actually Jesus saying “I don’t mean literally” (which, by the way, is not what he said in verse 63, of course it’s spiritual as well. Why do you have such a problem with physical, sensate things being spiritual as well?)

Yes, off topic, but can’t resist.

Blessings***

It obvious why he has a problem with it because he is like every other protestant I have ever debated the Eucharist with. They cant defend there beleifs so they try to divert the conversation or they quit all together.

Logic alone shows there ignorance and the problem is if they accept that teaching they would have to accept all the teaching of the RC. Otherwise they would be drinking and eating in an unworthy manor .That is a big cup of pride to swallow. I know because I had to swallow it. Been there done that

Anyhoo’s I really dont think going off topic is an acceptable defense considering NonC always goes of topic…Nice try brother but Checkmate:thumbsup:

Peace unto you***

 

[Realcatholicgk]

Hi Bookgirl32, the quote above is what I refer you to in it entire context…he/she trashed the Bible, should bother any Christian…that’s all I am saying. Nothing wrong with Psalms or proverbs, stories or tales, but the message, context and wording is offensive.

**

Hi Non,

I would think the words could only offend people who are wrong! The message content is accurate. The wording is accurate. I actually and not as smart as you and many others here. I just don’t know of more appropriate words to use. I really am sorry if they offended you. I know when you lied about whay I said it hurt. But that was a lie. I heve not lied. If so please show me where.Unlike you, I being a christian, will apologize if you can show that I lied
I don’t intend to lie or deceive. That isn’t my intention at all. I am just attempting to explain that your phony corrupted bible is just that. Nothing more and nothing less. It isn’t a “new” “improved” Bible. God said not to change it!d It is the Scriptures written by the early church members which Kings and fools have changed against God’s directions. They, distorted, corrupted, modified, deleated, altered and rewrote the scriptures. There are well over 6,000 changes known. There are currently over 100 versions of your bible. WEhat is that all about??? They make changes and issue another vewrsion the SDA just wrote two “imporved” versions of the bible. The 33,000 counterfeit denominations wirth 28,000 subdenominations and non-denominational churches modify their doctrines and dogmas and distort the bible and then have the nerve to claim their versions of christianity are Correct. Yea Right! ,How anyone would have the nerve to claim that the KJV of the bible was accurate and the word of God after over 6000 word and verse changes if beyond belief! These corruped bibles are not the infalliable word of God Himself! Not only don’t I think so! Over 2.3 Billion people on the face of this earth would agree with me
We had the Original Bible" God gave warnings:

1 - Deuteronomy 4:2 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.​

2 - Proverbs 30:5-6 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.​

3 - Revelation 22:18-19 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.​

In 1534 Martin Luther Changed and/or Discounted 18 Books of the Bible in 1611protestants started to rewrite the bible in and haven’t stopped yet! This isn’t lies this is History!
.Even Protestants realize too many changes are being made: many I understand how you have been lied to and was told that your version of the bible is some type of God to be worshipped by you as if the words came from God’s mouth.

KJV Bible is Counterfeit

False Bible

Bible is Counterfeit

Read what your own people are saying. You are being lied to daily.But believe me I would never do that to you. I love you and desire you to learn the truth and obtain salvation, even if it hurt your feelings.
It isn’t my intention to lie or deceive you. You lied and said I called the Bible a “Blueprint” It isn’t anything of the sort.Your versions aren’t even authentic versions and non are approved By Jesus’ real church. The scriptures are part of God’s infalliable teachings handed down and interpeted by His church to the members of the church and often are distorted, twisted and corrupted by counterfeit denominations. If there is anything you don’t understand Please feel free to ask. I would love to explain the many errors of your ways. Your church can not pretend to be something it has no authority to claim. You think you know Jesus? You may know of Him but He awaits your choice to join Him. Remember you are loved. I do not mean to insult or anger you. If that happens maybe the saying “The Truth Hurts” is true?

God Bless**

 

[bookgirl32]

**

Hi Non,

I would think the words could only offend people who are wrong! The message content is accurate. The wording is accurate. I actually and not as smart as you and many others here. I just don’t know of more appropriate words to use. I really am sorry if they offended you. I know when you lied about whay I said it hurt. But that was a lie. I heve not lied. If so please show me where.Unlike you, I being a christian, will apologize if you can show that I lied
I don’t intend to lie or deceive. That isn’t my intention at all. I am just attempting to explain that your phony corrupted bible is just that. Nothing more and nothing less. It isn’t a “new” “improved” Bible. God said not to change it!d It is the Scriptures written by the early church members which Kings and fools have changed against God’s directions. They, distorted, corrupted, modified, deleated, altered and rewrote the scriptures. There are well over 6,000 changes known. There are currently over 100 versions of your bible. WEhat is that all about??? They make changes and issue another vewrsion the SDA just wrote two “imporved” versions of the bible. The 33,000 counterfeit denominations wirth 28,000 subdenominations and non-denominational churches modify their doctrines and dogmas and distort the bible and then have the nerve to claim their versions of christianity are Correct. Yea Right! ,How anyone would have the nerve to claim that the KJV of the bible was accurate and the word of God after over 6000 word and verse changes if beyond belief! These corruped bibles are not the infalliable word of God Himself! Not only don’t I think so! Over 2.3 Billion people on the face of this earth would agree with me
We had the Original Bible" God gave warnings:

1 - Deuteronomy 4:2 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.​

2 - Proverbs 30:5-6 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.​

3 - Revelation 22:18-19 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.​

In 1534 Martin Luther Changed and/or Discounted 18 Books of the Bible in 1611protestants started to rewrite the bible in and haven’t stopped yet! This isn’t lies this is History!
.Even Protestants realize too many changes are being made: many I understand how you have been lied to and was told that your version of the bible is some type of God to be worshipped by you as if the words came from God’s mouth.

KJV Bible is Counterfeit**

False Bible

Bible is Counterfeit

Read what your own people are saying. You are being lied to daily.But believe me I would never do that to you. I love you and desire you to learn the truth and obtain salvation, even if it hurt your feelings.
It isn’t my intention to lie or deceive you. You lied and said I called the Bible a “Blueprint” It isn’t anything of the sort.Your versions aren’t even authentic versions and non are approved By Jesus’ real church. The scriptures are part of God’s infalliable teachings handed down and interpeted by His church to the members of the church and often are distorted, twisted and corrupted by counterfeit denominations. If there is anything you don’t understand Please feel free to ask. I would love to explain the many errors of your ways. Your church can not pretend to be something it has no authority to claim. You think you know Jesus? You may know of Him but He awaits your choice to join Him. Remember you are loved. I do not mean to insult or anger you. If that happens maybe the saying “The Truth Hurts” is true?

God Bless

I think you’re plenty smart Realcatholic.

 

[Realcatholicgk]

I think you’re plenty smart Realcatholic.

**Hi, Book Girl,

ME? :flowers:

By the way I am a “HE” an "old, worn out He.

Besides my typing errors, I just read that I made another one. I just read from KJV Site there are currently over 200 different English versions available and a new one coming out every 6 months, it’s difficult to individually separate Satan’s counterfeits from the Word of God. I read there was “only” 100 versions. **

Public Service Announcement
**
The following information is provided to our “Separated Brethren” of the Protestant persuasion as a Public service:**
**
“. . . ye have PERVERTED the words of the living God. . .”
Jeremiah 23:36

"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."Psalms 12:6, 7

**

**We shall now return to our normal program.

[SIGN] **coun ter feit 'kaunt-er-fit: to imitate or copy closely
especially with intent to deceive. **

The greatest method of deception is to counterfeit. The master of counterfeit and deception is Satan.

The Bible in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 warns of Satan’s counterfeit: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;. . .”

Isaiah 14: 14 tells of Satan’s ultimate counterfeit: “. . . I will BE LIKE the most High.” [/SIGN]

So, this information from Protestants themselves begs the question: Since even they admit their Bibles are counterfeit and Protestantizm demands that they follow it, who are they really following?

God Bless**

 

[rwaechter]

Well, the way that I see it, when I ask my family to join me in prayer, or when we’re all at Church joined in prayer, we’re doing exactly the same kind of prayer that we do when we pray with the saints. (Because of course, we know from Scripture that the dead in Christ are alive with Him in Heaven. They are as much a part of the body of Christ that we are on earth–even more so as they are united with Christ fully, as we are not.)

Now, the type of prayer that we most often offer is intercessory prayer; that is, we are asking God to help us in some way. While sometimes we can ask for ‘selfish things’, mostly when we ask God’s help, we’re asking Him to help us to follow Him better. To love Him more. To show us and tell us what we can do for Him; to warn us when we’re being ‘led into temptation’, etc.

Now on earth even the ‘best’ people are not perfect, right? They aren’t perfectly united to God. When they pray, they do the best they can. . .but the prayers aren’t perfect.

But in heaven, the saints are perfect. (Because they are united with God, who is perfect. That’s what will happen to all of us when we die in Christ and go to heaven–we will be joined with Him. We will be like Him. We will see Him as He is). So their prayers are perfect too. (and of course they’re going to pray in heaven too. Prayer is communication with God–not only will they not stop communicating once they’re in heaven, they’ll be able to communicate with God forever, unceasingly, and perfectly).

So when we pray to the saints, we are asking them to ‘paint the lily’ by adding their perfect prayer to our ‘not so perfect’ prayers because that will please God more, who tells us in Scripture that “where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I in their midst” and that “the prayer of a righteous man availeth much”.

We are not praying to the saints in place of God, but in addition to our prayers, to add their prayers to **our **prayers but all the prayers are ultimately and only for God. The perfection of a saint’s prayers isn’t because the saint is ‘worthy’ in himself/herself, but because the saint is joined to God. Ultimately, the perfection is God’s.

I hope that helps.

Hmmm. Another catholic statement with no scripture backing. This pattern of Catholic truth and not Scripture truth is a common theme in these apologetics. Pray to the saints because it will please God more? Someone back this up with scripture, and not personal, or catholic opinion, because that is not truth.

Ryan

 

[Realcatholicgk]

Hmmm. Another catholic statement with no scripture backing. This pattern of Catholic truth and not Scripture truth is a common theme in these apologetics. Pray to the saints because it will please God more? Someone back this up with scripture, and not personal, or catholic opinion, because that is not truth.

Ryan

**Hi Ryan,

You are wrong. Catholic opinion is Truth! However, I do understand your confusion. I think I can explain. The Catholic church is the authentic church established by Jesus 2,000 years ago. The scriptures came from our traditions not our traditions from the bible, like the false churches that followed. There, does that explain why we don’t “worship” the bible? The 200 Protestant versions have became so full of error even Protestants must admit it now: They just don’t go back far enough.

KJV Bibles are Counterfeit

Another Counterfeit Version

Bible is Counterfeit

Some people presume that just because I disagree with their official Church, this must mean that I must hate them individuallly. That is really NOT the case. I love and desire to help them reject the lies they are being taught. In addition, many Protestants think that their individual church holds to positions that their denomination has held historically. But that also is usually NOT the case. Often, denominations break away and form other churches because of doctrinal issues. The records of history can prove or disprove what I affirm. I do not claim to have all the answers, only to try help seakers to find those answers.

I try to expose the evil, distorted, false, corrupted, teachings that Protestants are exposed to in their counterfeited religious beliefs. The Catholic opinion" is the only one that counts since Jesus established it as His One Holy and Apolostic church. Sorry, to report that we do not have to prove anything, your false religions must attempt to disprove when we profess to be the truth.

Below are the scriptural “proof” you desired. I have a question. Can you prove that you actually eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus like He commanded you had to in order to have eternal life? If not, isn’t your spirit is dead like Jesus said!

Eph. 3:14-15- we are all one family (“Catholic”) in heaven and on earth, united together, as children of the Father, through Jesus Christ. Our brothers and sisters who have gone to heaven before us are not a different family. We are one and the same family. This is why, in the Apostles Creed, we profess a belief in the “communion of saints.” There cannot be a “communion” if there is no union. Loving beings, whether on earth or in heaven, are concerned for other beings, and this concern is reflected spiritually through prayers for one another.

Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23-32; Col. 1:18,24 - this family is in Jesus Christ, the head of the body, which is the Church.

1 Cor. 12:12,27; Rom. 12:5; Col. 3:15; Eph. 4:4 - we are the members of the one body of Christ, supernaturally linked together by our partaking of the Eucharist.

Rom. 8:35-39 - therefore, death does not separate the family of God and the love of Christ. We are still united with each other, even beyond death.

Matt. 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30 - Jesus conversed with “deceased” Moses and Elijah. They are more alive than the saints on earth.

Matt. 22:32; Mark 12:27; Luke 20:38 - God is the God of the living not the dead. The living on earth and in heaven are one family.

Luke 15:7,10 – if the angels and saints experience joy in heaven over our repentance, then they are still connected to us and are aware of our behavior.

John 15:1-6 - Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. The good branches are not cut off at death. They are alive in heaven.

1 Cor. 4:9 – because we can become a spectacle not only to men, but to angels as well, this indicates that angels are aware of our earthly activity. Those in heaven are connected to those on earth.

1 Cor. 12:26 - when one member suffers, all suffer. When one is honored, all rejoice. We are in this together as one family.

1 Cor 13:12; 1 John 3:2 - now we see in a mirror dimly, but in heaven we see face to face. The saints are more alive than we are!

Heb. 12:1: we are surrounded by a great glory cloud (shekinah) of witnesses. The “cloud of witnesses” refers to the saints who are not only watching us from above but cheering us on in our race to heaven.

1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 20:6 - we are a royal family of priests by virtue of baptism. We as priests intercede on behalf of each other.

God Bless

**

 

[Chris_LaRock]

Is this to say that holy and saintly people become God’s personal answering service in heaven?

“Hello, you have reached Heaven Incorperated. This is saint so-and-so. Please leave your prayers after the beep, and God will get back with you as soon as He can.”

(joke)

 

[BMSODM]

Is this to say that holy and saintly people become God’s personal answering service in heaven?

“Hello, you have reached Heaven Incorperated. This is saint so-and-so. Please leave your prayers after the beep, and God will get back with you as soon as He can.”

(joke)

Still waiting for your reply to post #461 and 477 Chris…

Peace***

 

[Chris_LaRock]

Blessings Chris on this Holy Day…Remember you can’t have Christmas without having Christ in the Mass…

Even though you keep ignoring my post about leaving the tares with the wheat until God himself reaps and seperates I still love you.

You asked why Paul wrote more then Peter well lets look at an example of why your point doesn’t matter in God’s Ways… We have to go way back but look at Moses and how even though He was the head of the people in the day’s of old he wasn’t the speaker who led the people. It was Aaron his brother who spoke
“And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people”.

We all have different gifts and we are all used in accord to Gods Will and understanding not ours. Paul wrote because He was gifted as such…Also remember in those days it was all oral teachings, so an oral translator would be the same as someone who was a written translator in the days of new…

Again Merry Christ-Mass my brother***

But St. Paul tells us to expell the immoral man, and not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother while behaving sinfully.

I just feel that if Peter was the first Pope that his writings would hold more authority than those of any other apostle.

 

[Chris_LaRock]

If you ever take the time to research them you will see that they all were basically nobody’s. They were the smallest of the small. They were simple people with simple minds.

Scripture does teach that God uses the small and despised things most people dismiss to reprove those things that are thought to be mighty and respected.

 

[Realcatholicgk]

But St. Paul tells us to expell the immoral man, and not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother while behaving sinfully.

**
Hi Chris,

Don’t you remember that Jesus associated with sinners, He did not hang out with the Pharisees and in fact cursed and rebuked them over 74 times in the scriptures. Don’t try to be a Pharisee!**

I just feel that if Peter was the first Pope that his writings would hold more authority than those of any other apostle.

**
Who actually care what you feel? You have no authority over the past, or the future. You better worry about Chris LaRock in the present! Your soul depends on YOUR actions, not St Peter nor Pau’ls. Stop being foolish and Pray. Prayer is the answer to all your questions!

God Bless **

 

[BMSODM]

But St. Paul tells us to expell the immoral man, and not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother while behaving sinfully.

I just feel that if Peter was the first Pope that his writings would hold more authority than those of any other apostle.

Blessings brother***

I understand how you feel but its not about how or what you feel. Its about what the Word of God says…

Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter is clearly the leader of the Christian community (Acts 1:15, 5:1-10). And again, he is listed first among the Apostles in the New Testament (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-14). Before St. Peter was crucified, he appointed St. Linus as his successor. Why should this practice not be carried on to the present day? There is an unbroken line of Popes from St. Peter down to the present-day Pope. The Papacy is the oldest institution in the Western World. How could it have survived 2000 years without the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Peace***

 

[guanophore]

But St. Paul tells us to expell the immoral man, and not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother while behaving sinfully.

Yes, and the Church has decreed that such persons expell themselves. The fact that they are pretending they were not expelled by their own actions does no change the facts. They bring further condemnation upon themselves by doing so. Clearly more education would be helpful in this matter, since people like you (as well as the immoral) don’t seem to “get it”.

**I just feel **that if Peter was the first Pope that his writings would hold more authority than those of any other apostle.

Well, fortunately for us, Chris, the Kingdom of God does not operate on your feelings.

Jesus gave all the Apostles Authority. They did all things in unity. It was this unity that was the hallmark of the Church.