Peter the Rock: A theology of geology

Saint Peter
Painting by Peter Paul Rubens

Although a rose is a rose is a rose, a rock can be different things to different people.  Especially if that Rock is the disciple Peter...

Peter is also known as Saint Peter the Apostle (by Roman Catholics), as Coryphaeus ("Choir-director" by the Eastern Orthodox Church), as Kepha (Aramaic for "Rock" by the Syriac Fathers), as Simon ("Son of Jonah or John" by the Jews), as Cephas (by Paul), and as Petros ("pebble" or "rock" in Koine Greek).

Although most agree that Peter was a foremost leader of the early church, many disagree as to just what that leadership means.  The ongoing debate seems to center upon varied interpretations of Matthew 16:13-20.  These verses include a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples in which Jesus asks: Who do people say that the Son of Man is?  Various answers follow - and it is only Simon Peter who unwaveringly responds: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  Jesus blesses him (addressing him as "Simon, Son of John or Jonah"), for having received this divine revelation - then further declares: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church...  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven...

It is this declaration that has captivated theologians for the past two millennia.  Roman Catholics say that this confirms Peter's role as the first Bishop (Pope) of Rome.  Yet others point to the difference between the masculine Greek term for Peter (Petros) and the feminine term for rock (petra).  They emphasize that Jesus used the feminine form petra when referring to the rock upon which the church will be built, as opposed to the masculine form Petros when referring to Simon Peter.  They align the term petra with other biblical passages (such as 1 Corinthians 10:4 and 1 Peter 2:8) in which petra refers to Christ.  They also cite Hebrew Bible passages (such as Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 18:31) in which petra directly refers to God.

Some also emphasize that Peter was far from steady during early tests of his faith.  Nevertheless, most agree that the bulk of his spiritual life remained rock solid.

Resources

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016%3A13-20&version=NIV

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Peter-the-Apostle