This is part of the difficulty Rome (or the CC) has created for itself. There is absolutely (did I mention absolutely) no such word as "Church" in the Scriptures. Go read the text in Greek. The word is "assembly" or "public gathering". It is the Roman organization which has morphed this common term into "LOOK AT ME" (or something similar). The Greek term "ekklasia" even referred to the riotous mob in Ephesus, which is closer to what the RCC actually is.
And, my point was that there is no preeminence ascribed to Rome or the bishop of Rome or anything even remotely close to Rome. The term "bishop" is actually derived from "elder gray beard", or older men. The important references to Rome occur in Paul's Letter to the Romans explaining how salvation is determined by God for those predestined to believe. Now, that should be a Roman doctrine!
"Don’t be intellectually lazy or dishonest. Try to be better."
My FRiend, perhaps you might review the posting rules around here. "Argue the issues all you like. Don't make it personal."
You wrote:
“This is part of the difficulty Rome (or the CC) has created for itself. There is absolutely (did I mention absolutely) no such word as “Church” in the Scriptures. Go read the text in Greek.”
The word “Bible” is also never used in the Bible. Strange how that still works though, huh?
“The word is “assembly” or “public gathering”.”
Yes.
“It is the Roman organization which has morphed this common term into “LOOK AT ME” (or something similar).”
No. We English speakers have done that. In Latin it is still ecclesia and nothing else. We English speakers, however, say “Church” - which is from kyriakos (meaning “of the Lord”, “belonging to the Lord”) - because we inherited that from our German linguistic ancestors. So, while you’re spinning some nonsense about “the Roman organization which has morphed this common term into “LOOK AT ME”” the reality is no other word than ecclesia is used in official documents.
“The Greek term “ekklasia” even referred to the riotous mob in Ephesus, which is closer to what the RCC actually is.”
I have no doubt that the early Church was sometimes riotous - isn’t that clear from the writings of St. Paul?
“And, my point was that there is no preeminence ascribed to Rome or the bishop of Rome or anything even remotely close to Rome.”
Except there is a preeminence ascribed to Peter. And Peter is “remotely close” to Rome in the history of the Church.
“My FRiend, perhaps you might review the posting rules around here. “Argue the issues all you like. Don’t make it personal.””
Oh, I know the rules. I also know the truth. And it should be said even if it violates rules don’t you think?