Disclaimer: About This Blog

THIS BLOG IS: my personal journey of how I am rethinking some of my spiritual beliefs.
THIS BLOG IS NOT: intended to point fingers at people who I think are wrong.
I do not believe the final judgement will be based on how many correct answers we get on a theology exam. I believe many people throughout history have had genuine relationships with God, despite holding questionable beliefs and practices. I make no claim to having it all figured out or being your judge. If we end up disagreeing over these topics I pray we can find a way to demonstrate grace.

Monday, February 11, 2013

If I Become The Next Pope

With the current Pope resigning, I thought I'd put some thoughts together just in case I am selected as the next Pope.  If I was the Pope, and had the power to direct the church, what would I do?


  1. I would make a decree banning all Christian denominations. All followers of Christ would be instructed to recognize that there is only one church.
  2. I would hold a mass ordination where all Christ followers would be ordained as priests.  Imagine how much could be accomplished by encouraging the priesthood of all believers.
  3. I would lay off all employee's of the church.  With millions of new priests volunteering their time and lives, it wouldn't be necessary to pay some.
  4. I would sell all church property, and distribute the money raised to the poor.
  5. I would make a decree that Jesus is the only head of His church.
  6. I would then resign. 



What would be left after I destroyed what the church has worked so hard to create and maintain?  The vision I have is that the church would return to the way it was in the early days - before the days of church buildings, special staff, and special programs.  The church would be scattered back into the world - to work together, care for others, and share Jesus with those outside the church.  

I recognize that the Pope does not have influence over the other 30,000+ denominations out there.  But I suspect if the Catholic church took these steps of reform - many other reformers would follow. 

Did I miss anything?  What would you do if you were Pope?

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would do pretty much the same thing, but I would keep the popemobile.

Steve Martin said...

Sounds like Christian facism.

You might make a great Pope.

Jonathan said...

I'm not sure what you mean Steve Martin...

Steve Martin said...

I mean the desire to have everyone think alike, believe the same things.

We are different. There is no perfect doctrine because we have the taint of human history alongside God's Word.

This is short, but powerful:

http://1minutedailyword.com/2013/02/13/1-corinthians-12/

Thanks, Jon.

Jonathan said...

Thanks for Steve Martin. I agree with you that we are all different, and that God is free to speak to us in different ways. I certain don't expect everyone to agree with me.

I think that is one of the failures of organized religion. Every denomination out there puts together a creed, catechism, or statement of essential beliefs and requires a level of conformity among its membership.

I'm all for dis-organized religion. God can deal with each of us personally. It wouldn't be perfect, but God can handle that.