Could A Pope Become An Antichrist ?

[Socrates]

[quote name='abercius24' post='1840390' date='Apr 19 2009, 07:29 AM']I apologize if my theory (that the anti-Christ may be an anti-Pope someday) has caused some confusion. That is in fact speculative theology and should be seen as nothing other than an educated guess on what may come to pass.

But I should point out that if an anti-Pope were to exist as the anti-Christ, there would also be a true Pope hiding underground with the rest of us who were being persecuted for our faith by that same anti-Christ. And if this anti-Pope were able to convince many that he was the real Pope, many of the faithful would live temporarily in a state of great confusion, but the false and contrary doctrines the anti-Pope would be putting forth would easily act as an undeniable indicator to us that the true Pope was in fact in hiding.

It should also be pointed out that Papal Infallibility transcends time -- particularly the reign of one Pope to another. Popes therefore cannot contradict each other's infallible statements, nor can they contradict the universal infallibility the magesterium has claim to as part of dogmatic decrees made at Ecumenical Councils. Any Pope who would dare do such a thing would easily demonstrate himself to in fact be an anti-Pope (and the faithful would be searching the globe for the real Pope as a result). And if this were the case in the possible scenario of the anti-Christ, then I would imagine it would be that much more obvious given the atrocities and viscious heresies the anti-Christ has been fortold to spearhead.

And I would also like to say that everything Aloysius said is on the money -- as usual![/quote]
Yes, we need to keep in mind that the idea that the Antichrist will be a "Catholic" antipope remains nothing but speculation.
While I suppose that is a possibility, personally I'm dubious. Seriously, I don't think people (including, unfortunately, many "Catholics") will have to think the Antichrist is Pope in order to be led astray. All that will be necessary is that present trends continue, and nobody gives a rat's rear-end what the Pope teaches. (Just look at how many "Catholics" worshipfully followed Obama, despite his policies quite clearly being contrary to Church moral teaching.)
I tend to think it will be clear (at least to most honest and serious Catholics) who the real Pope is. He won't be some obscure figure hiding in the wilds of Montana or the Australian outback, or where-have-you, as certain rad-trads of dubious mental functionality would have us believe.
Currently most people (including most so-called "Catholics") don't follow nor care what the Pope teaches, so no anti-pope would be necessary to mislead them.
As long as liberalism and relativism dominate our culture, the masses will happily follow after whatever charlatan charms them with "Hope," "Change" and other empty puffery.

Edited April 21, 2009 by Socrates

[Guest]

I don't think a antipope will be the antichrist although a antipope could be the false prophet that tells the world to worship the antichirst and take the mark of the beast so they will be able to buy and sell.

[Aloysius]

[quote name='Socrates' post='1842059' date='Apr 20 2009, 10:58 PM']Yes, we need to keep in mind that the idea that the Antichrist will be a "Catholic" antipope remains nothing but speculation.
While I suppose that is a possibility, personally I'm dubious. Seriously, I don't think people (including, unfortunately, many "Catholics") will have to think the Antichrist is Pope in order to be led astray. All that will be necessary is that present trends continue, and nobody gives a rat's rear-end what the Pope teaches. (Just look at how many "Catholics" worshipfully followed Obama, despite his policies quite clearly being contrary to Church moral teaching.)
I tend to think it will be clear (at least to most honest and serious Catholics) who the real Pope is. He won't be some obscure figure hiding in the wilds of Montana or the Australian outback, or where-have-you, as certain rad-trads of dubious mental functionality would have us believe.
Currently most people (including most so-called "Catholics") don't follow nor care what the Pope teaches, so no anti-pope would be necessary to mislead them.
As long as liberalism and relativism dominate our culture, the masses will happily follow after whatever charlatan charms them with "Hope," "Change" and other empty puffery.[/quote]
imagine, if you will, an anti-pope set up not by the Cardinals in Rome, but under a schismatic meeting of dissatisfied liberal Catholics together with their ecumenical brethren of many religions... imagine such a "pope" comes and teaches birth control is okay, homosexuality is okay, all religions are equal and Christ isn't really that special. you really don't think claiming the office of the papacy wouldn't make such a "pope" popular, followed, and obeyed? especially would he be all the more obeyed if he claimed that no one had to obey him as pope! such an anti-pope could figure prominently into an end times scenario, IMO.

[goldenchild17]

[quote name='Delivery Boy' post='1842064' date='Apr 20 2009, 09:03 PM']I don't think a antipope will be the antichrist although a antipope could be the false prophet that tells the world to worship the antichirst and take the mark of the beast so they will be able to buy and sell.[/quote]

I think this type of scenario is more likely.

[HisChildForever]

[quote name='Delivery Boy' post='1842064' date='Apr 20 2009, 10:03 PM']I don't think a antipope will be the antichrist although a antipope could be the false prophet that tells the world to worship the antichirst and take the mark of the beast so they will be able to buy and sell.[/quote]

Are you reading those Left Behind books?

[Guest]

[quote name='HisChildForever' post='1842354' date='Apr 21 2009, 06:27 AM']Are you reading those Left Behind books?[/quote]

No never read them . Read some of Aloysius previous post. A anti pope could happen playing the role as the false prophet. I also believe in the book of revelation and know that the antichrist comes before Jesus Christ. He makes fire come down from heaven. Last time I checked Hitler didnt make fire come down from heaven. So evidently the antichrist hasn't arrived yet. Although i'm sure islam will be taking over the globe soon and they also have a predicted prophet that is coming. I forget what they call him. Left behind books always struck me the same way as horrible once saved always saved "christian music" does. Corny and not worth my time.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Guest