Cocatholic,
The OT tells us about the Rock of ages, Rock of salvation, etc. I believe the same reference applies to the NT as well: Jesus is the Rock (Mat 7:24-29, 1 Pet 2:6-8, Eph 2:20)
Are things bound and loosed in heaven exclusively for Peter to do? Mat 18:18 says no. What’s more, Peter claims no seat of authority and refers to himself as an elder in 1 Pet 5:1. Catholic teachings say Linus was Peter’s successor, but I simply don’t believe that. I believe it was established by later Popes to legitimize their positions of authority (Donation of Constantine and the False Decretals).
“Religion” was rebuked by Jesus in Mat 23. True, it was a “woe to the Scribes and Pharisees,” but I see parallels to the religions of today. Teachings, precepts and edicts of Vatican I, II, various councils, and various Popes have changed through time... I question whether they are of a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
It is not my intent to attack Catholicism. I was a hardcore catholic at one time in my life. I wore a scapulet that promised entrance to heaven if I died wearing it. I learned otherwise only by the grace of God.
