Can You Explain Papal Authority and Praying for the Dead? | Why Aren’t You Catholic?

“Can you explain papal authority?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of Church leadership, including the reconciliation of Vatican I and the Council of Constance. Other topics include the practice of praying for the dead and the perspectives of Orthodox believers on Roman primacy, highlighting the diverse theological inquiries that arise in Catholic apologetics.

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Questions Covered:

• 02:07 - I am no longer Catholic but I don’t really know why it’s taking me long to desire to come back.
• 20:15 - Even if I were to accept 2 Macc. We could not accept the practice of praying for the dead because it was descriptive, not prescriptive.
• 23:59 - I’m Orthodox. In the 7th Ecumenical Council it talks about the agreement with the patriarchs. I do see a Roman primacy but it feels like there’s something missing where Rome didn’t do things with the agreement of the other patriarchs.
• 43:05 - How do you reconcile the contradiction on papal authority in Vatican 1 and Council of Constance?
• 50:25 - A couple was struck down in Acts of the Apostles after holding back. That feels like it contradicts the message of Jesus and the gospel. Can you explain?