As always, the true teachings of Christ provide
a sure escape from spiritual illusions and snares.
As Peter and the apostles said to the
Christ said, “God
sent the Son into
the world,
not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through
him,” (John
Christ also said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32). Knowledge of truth was to be for all his followers; truth and spiritual freedom were not to be limited to the Popes and the Bishops.
When
the apostle John told Christ, “Teacher,
we saw a man
casting out demons
in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us,” Jesus
replied, “Do not
forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my
name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not
against us is for us.” (John
9: 38-40) This
is the opposite of the claim, maintained for centuries by
After a squabble among his disciples over who was greatest among them, Christ said: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28) So much for the idea that Popes and churchmen ought to be temporally rich and powerful!
Contrast the teachings and example of
Christ with the record of many Popes and with the attitude of many
Follow Christ; accept no substitutes!
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Published on February 2, 2006
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