From what I can see it is a bad attempt to mimic Jewish religious practices. The altar is raised and separated from the congregation, similar to how the High Priests in the Temple were the only ones to go into the Holy of Holies. The priests are supposed to have special powers not so different than the priest making the sacrifice in the Temple. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is recreated on a daily basis for the forgiveness of sins not so dissimilar than the Jewish practice in Yom Kippur which is done once a year.
What they have failed to see is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us "finished it". The Lord's Supper is our remembrance of that moment.
What they have failed to see is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us “finished it”. The Lord's Supper is our remembrance of that moment.”
Yes, I believe that is an accurate assessment ... incense is also used and of course there is Mary. They like to pray TO Mary. In fact anyone that is dead that Catholics like is prayed TO for help, wisdom etc..
I don't believe they understand that Mary was another sinner that needed Christ too! I see these as distractions to prevent them from having a personal relationship with Christ. Mary can't help them and can't hear them.
The Rosary is the Catholic way of praying to Jesus THROUGH Mary. It makes me wonder if they don't believe Christ has the maternal comfort they are looking for. He has all of that and created Mary as well. As Christians we should only be praying to the living God.
The Apostolic succession that Catholic claim is through Peter is just a control mechanism. I lost count of how many times, "it is written" is stated in the Bible. What we need to know is in there. The truth is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
All we can do is pray FOR Catholics and hope they see the light. I believe God is merciful ... sometimes they do pray TO Christ, so perhaps we will see some in heaven too!