Shameless Popery #168 The one Papacy question that STUMPS Protestants… - Joe Heschmeyer
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May 1, 2025 Joe Heschmeyer tackles a provocative question: Who was the first Pope? Many Protestants evade the answer, but Joe’s insights challenge their beliefs and lead to a deeper understanding of St. Peter's role in Catholic tradition. He delves into the historical evolution of the papacy, contrasting Catholic and Lutheran foundations, while exploring how papal authority developed in early Christianity. Listeners are invited to reflect on the implications of church history and the legitimacy of its teachings amidst modern debates.
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Papacy as Distinctive Doctrine
- The papacy is the church's most distinctive doctrine but not necessarily the most important one.
- Getting the papacy question right grounds understanding of other doctrines and practices.
Ask Who Was The First Pope
- Ask this simple question to evaluate views on church authority: Who was the first pope?
- This question clarifies whether Jesus established the papacy, which has huge implications for Christianity.
Three Answers on First Pope
- Protestants offer three answers: Peter was first pope, someone else was, or the papacy evolved gradually.
- The evolutionary answer avoids naming a first pope, creating a vague timeline rather than addressing origins.