Body of Christ

I read a remarkable letter to the editor this morning. The writer was very very very unhappy about this cartoon

Here is the lesson in theology that corrects the mistaken idea behind the cartoon I understand that political cartoons are supposed to be satire, but in order to be intellectually honest, this satire should at least be based in some semblance of truth. The implication of the April 30 anti-Catholic cartoon is that because Jesus did not "speak out" against homosexual acts, the pope is wrong in doing so. This misrepresentation of Christian dogma is easy to make outside the context of church history and teaching. Jesus founded a church, and he built this church on Peter, who was the first pope (Matthew 16:18-19). In that gospel passage, he tells Peter, "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven," and also "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Paul later wrote in 1 Timothy 3:15 that this church is "the pillar and authority of the truth." Pope Benedict shares in the apostolic succession from St. Peter. Also, scripture says that not everything Jesus taught was written down (John 21:25). In other words, that Jesus was not specifically quoted condemning homosexual acts does not mean that his legitimate Christian church on earth cannot do so. The church is Jesus Christ Wow The church is Jesus Christ! 3 thoughts from me: First, I do not have to spend any time developing a reductio. The last sentence itself does that for me. Second, when Paul says that the church is the body of Christ, he did not mean that literally. Third, if you wish to find a church that practices humility – give us a try.. We know the difference between Jesus and we who haltingly try to practice discipleship.