ROME

BASIC R.C. BELIEF

The "Eternal City", in which Peter ministered as Bishop and hence Pope.

Since Rome was the political head of the world as well as the center of

paganism, it was an important city. Among the five Patriarchs of the early

Church, Rome demanded the place of highest honor. Eventually there were

only two competitors, Rome and Constantinople. The problem of primacy was

solved when dual ex-communications formed two churches.

CHRISTIAN COMMENT

Although churchmen from about the 4th century did tend to give in to the

demands of Rome, there is nothing biblical to suggest either a need for a

Pope or the linking of that Pope with Rome. All of the political battles

among churchmen, and the resulting pre-eminence of Rome, came about because

of the degeneration of the institutionalized Church, especially after it

became the Imperial Church of the Roman Empire.

---

These documents are free from , providing free webcontent for websites around the world!. copy freely with this link intact. BelieversCafe.com