Bible Question: Brian, what happens to you if, as a communicant in the Roman Catholic Church, you refuse to accept papal leadership and authority? [You did say in your post that you were not obligated to accept the leadership of the pope.] --Hank |
Bible Answer: Hank As my answer to Joe explains: I have the free will to accept or reject the pastoral leadership of the Pope and the teachings of the Catholic Church. If I reject, then I would be making the conscious decision that I did not want to be a member of the Catholic faith community. But, I have, through my own free will, freely accepted the Catholic Church, it's teachings and its leadership. I believe that, with all of it's imperfections (as every church does have) that this is the church which will enable me to obtain the closest, most intimate relationship possible with God (which is what God and Jesus desires: John 17:20-26). Through its teachings, the Gospel, its traditions and the seven sacraments - which are pleasing to God. Brian |