Replies

I'm glad to hear that. I could never consider joining a church that had something like that as part of official teaching, as it is so contrary to my own understanding

I wouldn't either.

We're all sinners, so how do you go about differentiating which of us are so far gone as to make us disposable?

The intent.

I've never seen anyone on the boards attack Mary, though there are plenty who attack everything that looks like elevating her to anything resembling creating her a goddess

Again, no one is twisting their arms to subscribe to anything regarding Mariology. If they don't like it, they can move on. Spewing venom at something they personally find outside of their realm of beliefs and practices is un-Christian to say the least.

There are some things where the only productive thing to do is agree to disagree & move on

Precisely.

The treatment of Mary is just one of those problem areas

Man-made problem. The treatment of Mary in the Apostolic Church is deep reverence and gratitude. A saint of saints. Some people have a stronger devotion to her then others, just as some favor one parent over another; in this case saints. But some people can't stand the fact that people do love Mary, and venerate her in a very demonstrative manner.

Like I said, in some case (very few, given the whole congregation) it appears idolatrous. But the Church would never teach that. Yet, what is the priest to do when someone does it? Throw that person out of the church? Judge him? Say "Look I noticed..."? I don't think so.

I'm sure Satan is quite happy that this issue festers between us, keeps us divided & starts us attacking one another.

Of course!

Failure to venerate Mary was not among Luther's sins...

Failure to venerate Mary is not a sin. It's sad, but it's not a sin.

The church of my youth was ELCA

I found most Lutherans and Anglicans (of the conservative kind) close and dear brothers and sisters in Christ and I lament their separation from us.

Impending death has a real knack for prodding one

Walk in your faith; that's more important. But we get dirty, and sacraments and prayers are like spiritual hygiene.

We can pray wherever and whenever, but we can only get sacraments in the church, our spiritual hospital.

Amen!

Amen.

The intent.

Intent? You know what people have in their hearts?

I'm reminded of the patience Christ showed when He dealt with the Pharisees. Their constant attempts to catch Him in error were used as opportunities to teach.

Man-made problem.

We seem to be pretty good at that, creating problems.

The treatment of Mary in the Apostolic Church is deep reverence and gratitude. A saint of saints. Some people have a stronger devotion to her then others, just as some favor one parent over another; in this case saints. But some people can't stand the fact that people do love Mary, and venerate her in a very demonstrative manner.

I see it kinda like watching the luggage turnstile at the airport. Sometimes it's too easy to mistake someone else's baggage for ones own...

Pray for them?

Failure to venerate Mary is not a sin. It's sad, but it's not a sin.

I knew I shoulda put quote dealybobs around the word sin. LOL

I found most Lutherans and Anglicans (of the conservative kind) close and dear brothers and sisters in Christ and I lament their separation from us.

Orthodox churches are rare in my neck of the woods & I can't say I know anyone who attends an Orthodox church. I've called a couple of "Bible" churches in my area & asked people there a couple of questions about some basic things they teach, but wouldn't know where to begin in doing the same with any of the Orthodox churches in my area.

Walk in your faith; that's more important. But we get dirty, and sacraments and prayers are like spiritual hygiene.

We can pray wherever and whenever, but we can only get sacraments in the church, our spiritual hospital.

I was married in a Roman Catholic church, back when a marriage included a full Mass. I'll never forget the looks of shocked horror at my questioning my exclusion from partaking in the Eucharist. That which is a spiritual hospital to you comes with some rather high immovable barriers for me.