GRGR: Gospels & stuff

[David Morris]

>From: Peter Petto David Morris wrote:
>
>>The point is that all [Biblical] text is subject to the fresh new words of
>>the Pope, no matter his footnotes. We all know interpretation is key.
>>Unless the forum allows direct challenge of interpretation, the preacher
>>on stand wins. When one has infallibility on his side, interpretation 
>>rules.
>
>The interpreter can steer the conversation, but the writer of the
text
>chose the subject. Despite some pretty wild interpretations, the
force of
>the writers of the U.S. Constitution can still be felt.

I don't think the Pope sees his role as conversationalist or even debater.  
"Mouthpiece of God" would be more on point.  He is essentially the 
"Monarch," not "Elder Statesman."

>Since I've been paying attention, the big change in the Catholic
Church
>occurred through the mechanism of a Church Council (Vatican II), not
>through any infallible pronouncement of the Pope.

The "progress of the Catholic Church" really is off the topic.  My part of 
this thread focused on a discussion about the authority of Biblical text 
w/in the organization (of ANY church).  No matter how frequently the Pope 
speaks "Ex Cathedra" (is that the proper spelling?), the established, 
written in stone hierarchy places these pronouncements ABOVE the text of the 
Bible.  I believe next in order of authority is Church Tradition.  If the 
text seems to disagree with either of the above, it is considered less 
important.

>I certainly think the Pope had more arbitrary discretion back before
the
>Holy Scripture was in the hands of so many followers, and in their
own language.

Amen, brother!

>I'd also note that many Protestant denominations that espouse the
primacy
>of the Book, have clearly followed interpretations of that Book that
don't
>seem equally autocratic.

Don't you mean they DO seem equally autocratic?  They are as varied end 
idiosyncratic as a string of carnival side shows.  But at least on the 
surface they'll all point to the same source of authority:  "Oh brethren and 
sisteren, don't believe ME!  I'm only a MAN!  Look! It's what the Bible 
says!"

As always, interpretation is King,  but the structure of the organization in 
relation to the text is the point.  If the Bible is the ultimate authority, 
"new and better" interpretations from those who claim to be reading it even 
more closely will always arise.  Of course so too will "new and better" 
churches as a result.

David Morris



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