[21twelve]

“And when he asks Mary to pray for him he isn’t worshiping her any more than he’d be worshiping you if he asked you for your prayers.”

Thanks for that image. As a Protestant I am slowly learning that the language the Catholics use with regard to Mary (and other things) are probably not what I take them to mean. And with the new Pope, I am learning more about the traditions and the meanings behind them. Most traditions can look rather silly I suppose from the outside (or the inside for that matter!) if one doesn’t know what they are all about, and their deeper meanings.

[PeevedPatriot]

Thanks for your kind comment. We believe that the body of Christ is composed of earthly Christians like you and me as well as those who preceded us in heaven. When I was Protestant I misunderstood the saint thing. It isn't worship of saints but rather worship of God IN UNION WITH those who preceded us. We also believe those who preceded us to heaven are more closely united to God now in his presence. That's why we ask for their prayers on our behalf. Peace be with you :)

[Old Yeller]

As a Protestant I am slowly learning that the language the Catholics use with regard to Mary (and other things) are probably not what I take them to mean.

As a former Catholic, I can tell you, that Catholics say the things evangelicals believe, only to get them (evangelicals) to leave them alone, and to make them think that they are really not any different in their beliefs. It's almost a form of taqiyya.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Your point of view in learning the “language” of other faith communities seems wise, patient, respectful. Thank you. I really appreciate that. I hope I always offer you the same.