--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Papal infallibility and biblical…" description: "\"Papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy are the two ecclesiastical versions of this human idolatry. Both papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/475/john-shelby-spong-1488_alternatives_papal-infallibility-and-biblical-inerran_2885794.png" --- # Papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy are the two… ![“Papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy are the two ecclesiastical versions of this human idolatry. Both papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy require widespread and unchallenged ignorance to sustain their claims to power. Both are doomed as viable alternatives for the long- range future…” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/475/john-shelby-spong-1488_alternatives_papal-infallibility-and-biblical-inerran_2885794.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/475/john-shelby-spong-1488_alternatives_papal-infallibility-and-biblical-inerran_2885794.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/475/john-shelby-spong-1488_alternatives_papal-infallibility-and-biblical-inerran_2885794.png) > “Papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy are the two ecclesiastical versions of this human idolatry. Both papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy require widespread and unchallenged ignorance to sustain their claims to power. Both are doomed as viable alternatives for the long- range future of anyone.” [John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-shelby-spong/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The claim critiques papal infallibility and biblical inerrancy as forms of idolatry that demand unquestioned belief, predicting their decline. **In simple terms:** These doctrines demand blind faith and are likely to fade. Key Takeaway Question authority and seek evidence. Themes faith authority religious doctrine Mood thoughtful challenging Type philosophical theological When to use this quote - religious education - interfaith dialogue - personal belief formation Key Concepts theology institutional power critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - What evidence supports or refutes these doctrines? - How can faith adapt without dogma? A Different Perspective Such critiques may alienate believers and spark defensive reactions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Alternatives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alternatives/) [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Biblical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biblical/) [Biblical Inerrancy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biblical-inerrancy-2921330/) [Claims](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/claims/) [Doomed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doomed/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Idolatry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idolatry/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Inerrancy Ecclesiastical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inerrancy-ecclesiastical-4025529/) [Infallibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infallibility/) [Infallibility Biblical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infallibility-biblical-4025528/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Papal Infallibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/papal-infallibility-1019324/) [Range](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/range/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) [Versions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/versions/) ## Related quotes > [I'm not religious anymore, but I think it's like papal infallibility, which is a ridiculous man-made tenet, like what I believe most religious tenets…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janeane-garofalo/i-m-not-religious-anymore-but-i-think-it-s-like-papal-infallibility/) [Janeane Garofalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janeane-garofalo/) > [Isn't the essential pillar of Catholicism papal infallibility? 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