When religion is merely a subjective & personal experience, it become difficult to accept it as a set of per-determined doctrines to follow. Why obeying the Church while I can just have a personal relationship with Jesus?
There are 3 aspect which we must grasp in order to understand the papacy of St Peter.
- Rock
- Key
- Chair
Rock
The Hebrew word for a rock is…
And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:18-19
The Hebrew word for a rock is…
Caesarea Philippi
Jesus brought his disciples to the area of Caesarea Philippi (Mt 16:13), known today as “Banias“, near the border of Israel & Lebanon, to make that major announcement. Why that place, and not in Jerusalem?
Pagan used to worship the Greek god ‘Pan’ over there.
The hole inside the cave was so deep that they believed it was the ‘portal’ gate to the underworld, where the gods lived.
Key
If I have a key with me, it mean that I have authority over a house, a car, a locker, etc.
The gate keeper
If I have a key with me, it mean that I have authority over a house, a car, a locker, etc.
Chair
Papal infallibility
Any organization requires a leader to make decisions, take responsibility and guide the flock.
There’s a misunderstanding people have when we say “papal infallibility”. It doesn’t mean that the Pope is absolutely perfect without sin.