Never understood why the Vatican loves gold and intricate figures and statues and everything. I’ve always thought of the Vatican and the “people” within as being very vain.
The pope lives like royalty, and they worship images of Mary.
Mary is not God. Jesus is.
Actually, we don't worship images of Mary, but thanks for visiting this thread to chime with the protestant perspective of the papacy.
I'll be sure to return the favor and visit a protestant thread. You can hear our opinions about what we think of protestants claiming they can read God's mind and "know" they've been instantly "saved".
Claim: Aurora Shooting Suspect Now Muslim
Thu 21 Mar 2013 09:05:50 PM PDT · 18 of 26
FreedomStar3028 to ogen hal
Neutron bomb them all
But the pope has a nice robe so he's the bad guy.
Neither does my step father. See Exodus 25:18–20. Catholics use statues, paintings, and other artistic devices to recall the person or thing depicted. Just as it helps to remember one’s mother by looking at her photograph, so it helps to recall the example of the saints by looking at pictures of them. Catholics also use statues as teaching tools. In the early Church they were especially useful for the instruction of the illiterate. Many Protestants have pictures of Jesus and other Bible pictures in Sunday school for teaching children. Catholics also use statues to commemorate certain people and events, much as Protestant churches have three-dimensional nativity scenes at Christmas.
I’ve always thought of the Vatican and the “people” within as being very vain.
You're not alone. It is a common misperception. Can you specify why you feel this way?
The pope lives like royalty
Again, a misconception. The pope gives up all personal goods and resides in the papal apartments. Following the death (or, in this case) the retirement of a pope, the apartments are sealed until a new pontiff is elected. When Pope Francis was shown the apartment, his reaction was similar to yours. While no official statement has yet been made, it has been mentioned that he plans to live elsewhere in a more humble setting.
they worship images of Mary.
Catholics venerate Mary. We do not worship her. Hyperdulia or super veneration is given to only one created being, and that is the Blessed Virgin Mary. It shows that Mary, the Mother of God, is so highly blessed and endowed by God that she stands alone in her class. She is above all the angels and all the Saints. She is the Mother of God.
Thank you for your kind response.
>Mary is not God. Jesus is.<
.
Very astute observation.
In total sync with the teachings of the RCC.
Take time and do research what the RCC’s teachings are of Mary and the saints. Don’t remain stuck in your misinformed observations of the Catholic Church.
Are you familiar with the USMC? Then this should help you understand why the "vanity" thing is a misconception. A cleric's vesments are not a personal fashion statement, any more than a Marine's Dress Blues.
It's the official clothing of office and ceremony, not a private caprice.
"Becket wore a hair shirt under his gold and crimson, and there is much to be said for the combination; for Becket got the benefit of the hair shirt while the people in the street got the benefit of the crimson and gold. It is at least better than the manner of the modern millionaire, who has the black and the drab outwardly for others, and the gold next his heart."