The difference is significant. You are communicating with someone who has died. That is the crux of the discussion.
Died and reborn in Heaven. The Communion of the Saints is an essential part of Christianity. The human part of Heaven, the Church Triumphant, certainly exists and certainly adds their prayers to the Church Militant (the mortal elect here on Earth) fighting for the Reign of Christ the King.
I agree that they are alive in heaven; that is not the issue.
THAT IS PRECISELY THE ISSUE!
You admit that those to whom we request Heavenly intercession through prayer ARE "alive in heaven" so clearly we are not "communicating with the dead".
Why don't you just agree to disagree with Catholics and leave it at that?
You certainly could follow your own advice, true?
I was offering information to answer your repetitive, obviously anti-Catholic questions. I am happy to "agree to disagree" but you are not at that point in the discussion yet, and probably never will be.
That said, I have a question to you....you said that you would NEVER pray a "man-made" prayer (in so many words) because it's not "Scripturally Based". Does this mean you never make up your own prayers but only feel qualified to pray by repeating Scripture only? This is a serious question, and I would REALLY appreciate a response. Thanks! 0:-) MCC