I don’t even know who Tim Staples is.
Nobody (except a handful of people here at FR, it seems) thinks that flowers, and elaborate ornamentation, and the kind of ceremonial observances used at Wedding and Funeral and Military - Patriotic memorials, is the same as adoration. These thing are, rather, in line with the Greek word “Dulia “ which means honor.
We all understand that there are levels of honor, some sacred, some secular, some more solemn, some more casual. They are not all identical, but they are all in the same ball park.
We who are members of the Body of Christ are members of one another; and, like any living organism, we communicate continuously. We share spiritual goods. That is an aspect of our love for each other, in Christ, which is expressed in prayer.
Now I could understand it if you said you don’t actually believe in that “members of one body” stuff, but even if you don’t, the idea should not be that difficult to grasp.
Neither is it pitiful. All if this dulia, both sacred and secular-— expresses some precious aspects of our spiritual bonds of respect snd affection with one another.
If you think that is pitiful, I don’t understand you.
Tim Staples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2dFzuY5lPo
His brother became a priest if I recall correctly. Here’s his story if I am not mistaken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twrDAjW8JQs
You're not missing much. He's a Roman Catholic apologist.
We all understand that there are levels of honor, some sacred, some secular, some more solemn, some more casual. They are not all identical, but they are all in the same ball park.
However, the ones claimed by Roman Catholics that apply to Mary are not in the New Testament ballpark. Maybe one in the Vatican, but not in the NT. (Seeing how it's about to be baseball season).
What you express is a nice sentiment. However, what Roman Catholics have elevated Mary to is way beyond sentiment.
We properly express sentiment to Mary when we remember her as Luke recorded...all will count her blessed. No more no less.
Neither is it pitiful. All if this dulia, both sacred and secular-— expresses some precious aspects of our spiritual bonds of respect snd affection with one another.,
If you think that is pitiful, I don’t understand you.
The attempt to justify the idols of Mary, kneeling before the idols, the prayers to Mary, the belief a medal or piece of cloth will save or benefit you in some manner with a wedding or a picture of your earthly parents is a pitiful attempt to rationalize the Roman Catholic treatment of Mary.
I'm sorry the word pitiful hurts...but it is a very, very weak argument. Coming from you I expect a better line of reasoning.