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I'm sorry but I'm pretty familiar with the Bible, and it really doesn't say that. If you disagree, would you mind posting chapter and verse? Thanks.
Angela
All of Paul's greetings to believers in his books he always said, "To all the saints (believers)" That is why in the book of Hebrews you don't see the customary greeting because he was not talking to believers in that book. Don't get religious saints mixed up with biblical saints.
What does it mean to be declared a "saint"? I think that the word has a different meaning (for Roman Catholics) than it's original Biblical meaning.
I am not trying to be glib. But this is the type of thing about the Roman Catholic church that bothers me. As if they have a say in how God will view things, and that God is waiting to hear them so that He will know how to proceed.
Thanks for any information.
The Church only says someone is a saint after there is evidence of it with a miracle. They don't make a saint, the saint makes themselves a saint, the church just says we are very certain this person is a saint because we have some evidence of it. They don't tell God what to do.
All of Paul's greetings to believers in his books he always said, "To all the saints (believers)" That is why in the book of Hebrews you don't see the customary greeting because he was not talking to believers in that book. Don't get religious saints mixed up with biblical saints.
Once again the Roman organization chooses to not do things God's way and reject that all Christians are Saints in favor of only a select few members of their organization are saints. I think the motto is "Our way, never God's way"
So you say that members of the Roman organization do not pray to Mary? Is that what your trying to claim?
I am certain God does not mind as long as they are believers.
Mary is not God, she is the mother of God. Many people have devotion for Mary.
Furthermore, this is religion and all religions have differences. It seems you are implying your religion is better. There is no such thing as "my religion is better".
And there is nothing wrong by having a figure of the virgin carrying baby Jesus. This is part of our rich cultural heritage. And many of the prayers to the Virgin are quite beautiful and I am certain that God is quite pleased. To assume God is not pleased would be very narrow minded.
BTW, have you been to mass?
Some people pray to the figure of the virgin in solitude at church and when they do this they communicate with God. I am surprised you don't get this. Who cares what method they use? This is our tradition, this brings people closer to God.
Julian, You are dealing with rote dogma that has been indoctrinated against Catholicism. There is no sincere and open-minded questioning involved. You will only get the false beliefs and invectives repeated against the Catholic Church. Apparently it is not a sin to falsely witness against Catholics and misrepresent their faith and practices . . . if you have the one and only Protestant truth on your side.
As a Catholic I would never say anything critical of other religions and that includes the Jews and the Muslims. I have never understood why some Protestant ministers indoctrinate the people against the Catholic Church.
I see nothing wrong with the Protestants, in fact I have attended many times and they often follow a pattern similar to the mass. I also like the fact that they are often more colorful and passionate.
However, in the Catholic Church I enjoy the old stuff, the traditions. If it was up to me I would still have the priests speak in Latin. I can see why some of the newly created Protestant sects are turned off by these old traditions, but I cannot understand the acrimony.
It means to trust in Jesus alone for your salvation. The work of Jesus at the cross is a finished work, never to be repeated. You are saved by grace and grace alone. Nowhere does Jesus say follow God's law to be saved.
As I said, show me where Jesus said follow God's law to be saved. Did He not say whoever hears His word and believes in Him who sent Jesus you will be saved? Did Jesus not say whoever believes in Him will not be judged but has passed from death into life? The manifestations of pride in the life of a believer never seize to amaze me.
As I said, show me where Jesus said follow God's law to be saved. Did He not say whoever hears His word and believes in Him who sent Jesus you will be saved? Did Jesus not say whoever believes in Him will not be judged but has passed from death into life? The manifestations of pride in the life of a believer never seize to amaze me.
OK, but Catholics are Christians. Have you been to mass? It is all about Jesus Christ.
I am certain God does not mind as long as they are believers.
Mary is not God, she is the mother of God. Many people have devotion for Mary.
Furthermore, this is religion and all religions have differences. It seems you are implying your religion is better. There is no such thing as "my religion is better".
And there is nothing wrong by having a figure of the virgin carrying baby Jesus. This is part of our rich cultural heritage. And many of the prayers to the Virgin are quite beautiful and I am certain that God is quite pleased. To assume God is not pleased would be very narrow minded.
BTW, have you been to mass?
Some people pray to the figure of the virgin in solitude at church and when they do this they communicate with God. I am surprised you don't get this. Who cares what method they use? This is our tradition, this brings people closer to God.
But Mary was a sinner like everyone else. Why do Catholics pray to a sinner? I'll tell you why because Catholicism idolizes chosen people in the bible. Mary suffered death like every other sinner in the world. Yes she is in Heaven but for the same reason everyone else is and will be for believing in Jesus alone for their salvation.
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), the fancy décor, the crackers and juice and praying to sinners. Jesus Christ is NOT at the center of the catholic church.
