re: History/Religion question for those interested

People have a VASTLY exaggerated idea of the role the Pope plays in the Catholic Church. I honestly can't really think of almost any times in my life he has had meaningful influence over my religious life.

You have to remember, there was a time when the Catholic Church was troubled by its lack of organization. Any Tom, Dick and Jane could teach the locals all kinds of stuff and doctrine was being shattered (Such as groups saying that Jesus was not divine). You also had disputes over Church property (bishops claiming they owned the church and land, could pass on to family, etc.) The organization of the Church helped to maintain a fairly coherent religion that has survived to this day. Look at what happened to Protestantism and the million different doctrines it spawned. Some believe in predestination, Mormons were birthed from others, you name it. Not saying one is right or wrong but from a practical perspective, the organized Church helped keep this thin afloat.