Biblically speaking, that is definitely an equality to Christ role on earth. Based upon Colossians:
Colossians 1:18 And he [CHRIST] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Just as I posted regarding the prayers of intercession, it is not correct to say Catholics view the Pope as the same role or a replacement role as Christ. All throughout the New Testament, there is instructions and discussion about the role of leaders of the Church. For example, 1 Timothy 3:1-2 or Titus 1:7,9.
I do have, as with the other issue brought up in the prior post, the specific authority given to the Pope and the power given- however, those same complaints can be made of church leaders of all denominations. I know many a Baptist, Non-Denominational, Lutheran, you name it, pastor who exerts the same ‘spiritual’ control over his flock, claiming more authority than a servant or ‘bishop’ should have.
Maybe, instead of bearing false witness as to what ‘the other’ believes, we should instead be a living witness to the attributes to what we believe?
Being head of the Church on earth makes the Pope “equal” to Christ??? The only Catholics who believe that are in mental hospitals.
Why don’t you stop lying about the Catholic Church? Do you think God is pleased with lies?
>> The Vicar of Christ, i.e., is seen by the Catholics in which his supreme headship is over the entire church on earth.
Biblically speaking, that is definitely an equality to Christ role on earth. Based upon Colossians: <<
Again, the pope is not an equal to Christ, but a vicar of his.
The biblical metaphor is that of a regent: While a King is not present in his realm, he appoints a regent. The regent speaks with the authority of the king. But he is not king, and must be obedient to the king in all matters, and surrender all authority to the king. The symbol of the authority of the regent is the keys to the kingdom. Peter was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Further, in the event a regent dies before the return of the king, the authority of the regent must be passed on; therefore it makes no sense to argue that Peter’s authority passed with him.
Incidentally, Peter’s sinful denial of Christ in no way undermines his authority as vicar or regent. Jesus told Peter he would receive such authority in the future tense. Peter did not speak as regent when he denied Christ. The bible is very plain when Peter became vicar of the Good Shepherd; immediately after forgiving Peter for denying him, Jesus told Peter, “Shepherd my sheep.” (King James’ translation, “Feed my sheep” fails to convey that the same root word is used in “I am the good shepherd” and “Shepherd my sheep.”)