Power And Primacy Of The Pope Analysis

During this time, most people, excluding the more elite citizens, were illiterate. Because of this, lower class citizens relied on educated people to read documents to them. To have a stronger connection with the citizens, the theologians had to take in account their perspective citizens and attend to their needs. Due to the fact that practicing a religion was common tradition, they used biblical evidence to support their claims of the corruption within the Church, mainly concerning the Pope. For example, when the theologians stated their belief that “the chief members of the Church, kings and princes, ought to guard the interests of the Church” they supported it with scripture found in Psalms (“Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” 3). Another way the theologians speak convincingly to the citizens it by alluding to the Pope as the “Antichrist” (“Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” 1). Referring to the Pope as such instills a sense of betrayal within the citizens. Due to the supporting …show more content…
They mainly argue that the Pope wrongfully places himself above the kingdom, he practices teachings that challenge the Gospel, and, most importantly, he falsely assumes he is chosen by divine right. They crucially explain the Pope’s false assumption of divine authority in a “threefold manner” that describes the methods he uses to justify his belief (“Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” 1). The theologians include the motivation behind practices in the Church are solely “for the sake of gain” (“Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” 2). For example, the Church sold indulgences for money while the citizens believed they were being forgiven of their sins. The writers believed the Pope “abused and defamed” his power (“Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” 3-4). Throughout the document, the theologians argue the fraudulent ideals and behavior of the Pope and the