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The Pope Is The Ultimate Authority Essay

548 Words3 Pages

Some believe scripture or the pope is the ultimate authority; others believed authority comes solely from himself. This dialogue will analyze some of the great philosophers who hold to these heresies and by examining the various shapers of modern philosophy throughout the history of western civilization, one will come to understand where authority is derived.
A philosophy student-led by Virgil walks through the circles of hell. The Student's mission is to debate with heretical philosophers who believed that authority derives from things other than God in an attempt to understand the logic behind their beliefs. First, they encountered the circle reserved for students who procrastinated on essays and never read their assigned readings. Tied to chairs and desks as punishment, the students who procrastinated on their assignments had to write …show more content…

Virgil and the Student journeyed on to the circle reserved for heretics. This circle was not just for any heretics, but those who had misconceptions of where one derives authority.

Virgil: “It is important for you to understand that many great philosophers believe ultimate authority derives from sacred scripture. Going back to the early centuries of Christianity, numerous Church Fathers and many medieval theologians were witnesses to the ultimate authority of Scripture. Martin Luther, for example, was notorious for this belief. And there he is now!”
The Student and Virgil approached Martin Luther who, as punishment, repeatedly removed the nails of his ninety-five theses from a Cathedral door. This punishment symbolizes his ninety-five theses that he hammered on the Cathedral doors in 1517.
Student: “Luther, I thought that you would be deeper in hell for leading so many of the faithful away from the church, this seems a lighter burden than you

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