I Got 95 Theses And the Pope Is One: How Rebellion Can Lead to Reform.. or Chaos. (Part II)

Part II: “Respect My Authori-tay!”

In this article we continue to discuss Marty’s 1517 “Mic Drop,” - The Ninety-Five Theses. In Part II of this discussion, we’re talking about the pope’s authority. 

Protestant views on papal authority vary; however, the majority believe that the papacy has overstepped biblical mandates and that the pope's authority over the church lacks scriptural basis. Therefore, they consider the pope's authority invalid.

Some might ask: Why have one person in charge of the Church? Well, let’s think about it in practical terms:

• What company runs smoothly with three CEOs?

• What police department benefits from four chiefs?

• How well would the New England Patriots play if they had two head coaches?

Every well-run organization has someone at the top making the final call. The Church is no different. Without leadership, things spiral into division and confusion.

​One unintended consequence of the Protestant Reformation has been the fragmentation of Christianity into numerous denominations. While the freedom to worship according to one's conscience is admirable, it has led to the establishment of over 30,000 Protestant denominations today—a staggering number for a faith centered on the Gospels. Some counter this observation by arguing that, whereas Protestants have thousands of denominations, the Catholic Church has a multitude of theologians who might lead people in various directions. However, the Catholic Church relies on Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium (the Church's teaching authority) to maintain doctrinal unity. In contrast, many Protestant traditions adhere to the principle of sola scriptura, relying solely on the Word of God as it is written in scripture as their guidance.

That’s not to say Protestant church lacks great theologians and thinkers... far from it.  I have more Christian books by Protestant authors than Catholics! Think C.S. Lewis, N.T. Wright, Tim Keller, and D.A. Carson, to name a few. But without a central authority, the Protestant church is vulnerable to splintering, confusion, the occasional off-the-rails factions such as the Branch Davidians (…eek!), or the “preacher” that once told me rubies were dripping from his basement ceiling during a sermon he held the previous night (true story!!).

Now, you might say, “Well, look at the Catholic Church—it has its own scandals and failures.” And you’d be right. Even the most structured system isn’t immune to sin (law enforcement, politics, corporate leadership, etc.).

But structure matters. In leadership, I’ve learned that if everyone is in charge, then no one is in charge. For all its flaws, the Catholic Church remains unified and accountable, ensuring that doctrine isn’t left to personal interpretation.

At the end of the day, I have found valid reason and understanding for both positions. I hope I’ve fairly represented my Protestant brothers and sisters’ concerns about the pope. If not, call me out! God bless.