As Pope Benedict XVI undertakes a four day tour of Britain we explore the theology of the Roman Catholic Church.
What is the Catholic view of the role of the Pope?  How do they ground his authority as head of the church in Scripture?  Is he God's representative or mediator on earth?  What does it mean to speak of his "infallible" statements? Is Catholic tradition a part of God's revelation alongside scripture?
William Johnston was ordained in the Anglican Church before going "over to Rome" because of a felt lack of authority in the Anglican church.  He says the Pope's role as ultimate arbiter of authority in the church is essential.
Duncan Boyd of the Protestant Truth Society believes Roman Catholicism is a false religion and the Pope is a heretic.  He argues that the role of the Pope is unscriptural along with many of the doctrines of the Catholic church.
For more on Roman Catholic teaching see http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/what_does_the_catholic_church_teach/catechism
For William Johnstone http://www.catholicvoices.org.uk/team
For the Protestant Truth Society see http://www.protestant-truth.org/
For Duncan Boyd http://protestant-truth.org/aboutus/duncan_boyd.html
For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes
If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:
Unbelievable? 11 Sep 2010 - "Is the Catholic Church a force for Good or Evil?" - Catholic Peter D Williams & Humanist Andrew Copson
Unbelievable? 16 May 2009 - A Response to Angels & Demons - Ged Clapson, Susan Fani, David Wilkinson & Robert Stovold
Join the debate at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable