(September 23, 2013 at 11:11 am)Drich Wrote:(September 23, 2013 at 10:17 am)whateverist Wrote: Trade the word "persuasion" for "the papacy" and this fits what you and every other true believer does. He is just listening to reason and his heart while you continue to read that tired old book like a lawyer.
But he not in the position as every other believer. He dictates policy,and as such should be the one reading the book like a lawyer. The pope doesn't get to 'feel' the pope is tied to representing God.
I'm no expert on the details of every cult's dogma but my lay person's impression is that the pope is thought to receive the latest Word directly, no scripture required. Isn't that what some protestants think they are doing too when they babble away or sway with their hands upturned? The only difference is the pope has authority to speak for the big guy amongst the sheep under his jurisdiction. (Kinda burns your ass, huh?)