Expert: Michael O`Flaherty - 9/18/2004

Question
I have three questions, if possible.

1. Why does the Catholic Bible have more books than the NIV?  Are these books inspired?  Why or why not?  Who determines which books should be in the Bible?

2. When was the first pope elected?  Was it Peter?

3. Has the Roman Catholic church existed since the first century?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to me.

Answer
Hi Darien!

(1) The Catholic Bible adds some books that are called the "Apocrypha." Otherwise, they are very similar. To see the debate, there are better resources than me for the reasons. Here was one I found defending the Catholic viewpoint: http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/deuteros.htm

(2) The Catholic Church believes that Peter was the first Pope. For a list, check out this link:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/p1/popesT1A1B1L1E1.asp Since I am not Catholic, I do not believe that Peter was a Pope, so you may want to track down a Catholic on this site and ask them so direct questions like this.

By the way, Catholics base Peter being the first Pope on these verses:

MT 16:15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

(3) Depends how you view Paul's work in Rome (the book of Romans.) However, the Romans really seized Christianity with Constantine around 312 AD; check out this link: http://www.request.org.uk/main/history/romans/constantine.htm

I hope this helps! I don't typically put web links in posts, but your questions are better answered by others. I am a born again Christian, so I can certainly answer questions regarding Christianity if you want. Jesus states in John 3:5 that the only way to enter heaven is to be born of water and Spirit. I pray that you are! There is another flood coming (like the days of Noah), but this time will be by fire. Make sure you board the ark before the door is closed. The ark is Jesus…

In Jesus Name!
Michael
www.oflaherty.com/mo.htm