2. Why do you pray TO saints? After all, they were human beings here. I pray only to God in Jesus’ Name.
Do you recite a creed which includes a belief in "the communion of saints?" If so, that will be good common ground for understanding. Just as we ask each other in the flesh for prayers (the Church Militant), so we do with those we believe to already be in Heaven (the Church Triumphant)... we are asking for their spiritual support. Even when it comes to the much-maligned "Hail Mary", we ask Her to "... pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death."
3. My neighbor told me that she does not believe Jesus had brothers. I don’t want to get into a religious discussion with a neighbor, so I don’t ask her.
The early Church Fathers (who were closer to the actual events) declared that Jesus had no brothers or sisters through Mary. That isn't to say that Joseph didn't have children prior to his betrothal to Mary (he was fairly old) or cousins. In the Aramaic, these relationships don't have unique identifications... they are simply siblings of some relation.
I hope this helps and that I have not written anything that would cause someone to stumble. Please forgive typos... on an iPhone.
pgyanke,
Thanks for your reply and explanation. I will go check out your homepage when I get a chance and read up. We may not agree on every issue, but it’s nice to have someone reply in ernest.
flaglady47,
Grow up.