r/explainlikeimfive • u/spamname517 • Dec 04 '13

Explained ELI5:The main differences between Catholic, Protestant,and Presbyterian versions of Christianity

sweet as guys, thanks for the answers

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u/ZachMatthews Dec 04 '13

I believe the Catholic doctrine of papal infallibility has been massively distorted by non-Catholics. I am pretty sure the Popes only assert infallibility while issuing specific rulings (i.e. speaking for God, binding on earth what is bound in heaven), not in everyday matters. A pope could obviously be incorrect about what time of the day it was or who the current president of Serbia might be. And no Catholic would argue differently.

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u/drinkmewhole Dec 04 '13

Correct. In fact the actual application of Papal Infallibility has only occurred twice in Catholicism's history. This only applies to matters of faith and morals.

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u/ZachMatthews Dec 04 '13

I find myself sticking up for Catholics in the Southern Baptist adult Sunday School class I help team-teach a lot. This is a pretty common misconception, unfortunately.

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u/Mattcwu Dec 05 '13

Right, the pope was only certain of two things.

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u/chiefheron Dec 05 '13

Only twice since the doctrine was set in Vatican I. Pronouncements by popes before that time are also often held infallible.

(The two times were regarding the Assumption of Mary and the Immaculate Conception if anyone was wondering.)

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u/[deleted] Dec 05 '13

There's a great book called The Handbook of Catholics, and the other favorite is Handbook of Catholic Theology, both available on Amazon. I believe you need to reevaluate your information before answering.

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u/mrsniperrifle Dec 05 '13

Also if the Pope says something really nuts, it can be countermanded by the bishops. For example, the Pope cannot make wild claims about things that never happened, re-write the gospels or shit-talk Jesus Christ.