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To: HarleyD; wmfights
And the evidence for this is where????

I gave you evidence a few posts up: 3286

3,457 posted on 01/02/2007 2:51:27 PM PST by annalex
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To: annalex; wmfights
That's your "evidence"??? One scripture verse that says nothing about church hierarchy and a reference from Ignatius??? I suppose I should be grateful that your verse came from 1 Corinthians and not Tobias. While I appreciate there was a "loosely knitted" hierarchy, there is much scriptural evidence that contradict your view of a detailed hierarchical structure.

First, the apostles chose to cast lots for the replacing of Judas apart from selecting the person themselves as a hierarchy would demand. Second, James was in control of the Jerusalem Council, not Peter, poo-pooing the idea that Peter was in control as some kind of Pope. (Also a number of people got up to express their opinion suggesting a democratic process.) Third, both Paul and Apollos went out preaching the word apart from any authorization from some hierarchy. It was three years after being commissioned by God before Paul even appeared before the Jerusalem Council. And finally, fourth, when the Council was in error Paul didn't hesitate to call Peter, James and others out on the carpet to show them their heresy; this isn't the norm under a strict hierarchy as you suggest. I should also say that Paul's, not Peter's, writings make up the bulk of the infalible New Testament doctrine but I don't wish to belabor this point.

Sorry, but the scriptures don't talk about any hierarchy except a loose one. If there was such a one then there would be no need for the writings to the seven churches now would there? After all, wouldn't their churches be following the commands laid down by the Church in general?

I see no evidence in your suggestion. Of course if you wish to insist, we can always talk about Pope Horatio, the declared heretic that served for 16 years. Unfortunately, the Church burned all of his infalible writings.

3,495 posted on 01/02/2007 4:20:08 PM PST by HarleyD (Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;)
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