Meaning: The quote you provided is from Charles Hodge, a prominent American Presbyterian theologian who lived in the 19th century. In this quote, Hodge expresses his opposition to the concept of the Pope as the Vicar of Christ, a central tenet of Roman Catholicism. Hodge argues that to claim to be the Vicar of Christ and to exercise his prerogatives on earth is to claim divine attributes, which he vehemently opposes. This statement reflects the theological and doctrinal differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, particularly regarding the role and authority of the Pope within the Church.

Hodge's opposition to the concept of the Pope as the Vicar of Christ stems from his understanding of the nature of Christ's divinity and the authority that the Pope claims to possess as his representative on earth. In Roman Catholic theology, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter and the supreme head of the Church, possessing the authority to interpret and define doctrine, as well as to govern the faithful. This authority is believed to be derived from Christ himself, making the Pope the Vicar of Christ, or his earthly representative.

However, Hodge and other Protestant theologians reject this understanding, emphasizing the sole authority of Scripture as the Word of God and the ultimate source of divine revelation. They argue that the Pope's claim to exercise Christ's prerogatives on earth, such as infallibility in matters of faith and morals, contradicts the Protestant belief in the sufficiency of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers. Hodge's statement reflects the Protestant view that the Pope's claim to divine attributes undermines the unique and supreme authority of Christ as the head of the Church.

Furthermore, Hodge's opposition to Popery, a derogatory term used by Protestants to refer to Roman Catholicism, is indicative of the historical and theological tensions between the two traditions. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, led by figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, was a response to perceived abuses and doctrinal deviations within the Roman Catholic Church. Central to this movement was the rejection of papal authority and the reaffirmation of key theological principles, such as justification by faith alone and the priesthood of all believers.

The quote by Charles Hodge encapsulates the enduring theological divide between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, particularly concerning the authority and role of the Pope. Hodge's assertion that opposition to Popery is opposition to a man claiming to be God underscores the fundamental differences in belief regarding the nature of Christ's divinity and the rightful exercise of authority within the Church. It also reflects the historical context of Protestant-Catholic relations, marked by theological debates, conflicts, and efforts at reconciliation.

In conclusion, Charles Hodge's quote serves as a poignant expression of Protestant opposition to the concept of the Pope as the Vicar of Christ and encapsulates the theological and historical tensions between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Hodge's assertion that to claim the prerogatives of Christ on earth involves a claim to his attributes highlights the deep-seated differences in theological perspectives and the enduring legacy of the Protestant Reformation in shaping Christian belief and practice.