Posted on 05/30/2008 10:21:34 AM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
Some of you will remember my recent decision to become a Catholic. I suppose I should be surprised it ended getting derailed into a 'Catholic vs. Protestant' thread, but after going further into the Religion forum, I suppose it's par for the course.
There seems to be a bit of big issue concerning Mary. I wanted to share an observation of sorts.
Now...although I was formerly going by 'Sola Scriptura', my father was born and raised Catholic, so I do have some knowledge of Catholic doctrine (not enough, at any rate...so consider all observations thusly).
Mary as a 'co-redeemer', Mary as someone to intercede for us with regards to our Lord Jesus.
Now...I can definitely see how this would raise some hairs. After all, Jesus Himself said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that none come to the Father but through Him. I completely agree.
I do notice a bit of a fundamental difference in perception though. Call it a conflict of POV. Do Catholics worship Mary (as I've seen a number of Protestants proclaim), or do they rather respect and venerate her (as I've seen Catholics claim)? Note that it's one thing to regard someone with reverence; I revere President Bush as the noted leader of the free world. I revere my father. I revere Dr. O'Neil, a humorous and brilliant math teacher at my university. It's an act of respect.
But do I WORSHIP them?
No. Big difference between respecting/revering and worshiping. At least, that's how I view it.
I suppose it's also a foible to ask Mary to pray for us, on our behalf...but don't we tend to also ask other people to pray for us? Doesn't President Bush ask for people to pray for him? Don't we ask our family members to pray for us for protection while on a trip? I don't see quite a big disconnect between that and asking Mary to help pray for our wellbeing.
There is some question to the fact that she is physically dead. Though it stands to consider that she is still alive, in Heaven. Is it not common practice to not just regard our physical life, but to regard most of all our spirit, our soul? That which survives the flesh before ascending to Heaven or descending to Hell after God's judgment?
I don't think it's that big of a deal. I could change my mind after reading more in-depth, but I don't think that the Catholic Church has decreed via papal infallibility that Mary is to be placed on a higher pedestal than Jesus, or even to be His equal.
Do I think she is someone to be revered and respected? Certainly. She is the mother of Jesus, who knew Him for His entire life as a human on Earth. Given that He respected her (for He came to fulfill the old laws; including 'Honor Thy Father and Mother'), I don't think it's unnatural for other humans to do the same. I think it's somewhat presumptuous to regard it on the same level as idolatry or supplanting Jesus with another.
In a way, I guess the way Catholics treat Mary and the saints is similar to how the masses treated the Apostles following the Resurrection and Jesus's Ascension: people who are considered holy in that they have a deep connection with Jesus and His Word, His Teachings, His Message. As the Apostles spread the Good News and are remembered and revered to this day for their work, so to are the works of those sainted remembered and revered. Likewise with Mary. Are the Apostles worshiped? No. That's how it holds with Mary and the saints.
At least, that's how my initial thoughts on the subject are. I'll have to do more reading.
Give me a break. Everyone, protestant or catholic, has his or her own version of what they read in the Bible. Cheez.
Except that Catholic teachings have the benefit of 1900+ years of Biblical scholarship and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Or even Christ Himself...
Good verse. It’s sad they don’t feel they’ll know it until death. My husband was a Catholic and he said when he found salvation by grace and faith alone, it was like a burden was lifted off his shoulders.
That is sort of true. We percieve things based on our experiences or paradyms (sp?). Maybe that is why I thought all Christians were loving and kind. I still believe that those who don't like the Catholic church, don't truly know the Catholic church. I challenge you to go to a Catholic mass or watch EWTN. I promise you won't turn into a pillar of salt. We really should better understand each other, love each other, and learn from each other. Each of us has a special gift. I listen to Joel Osteen.
No, you can’t tell if someone else is truly saved (unless that person curses God and lives like the devil) but you CAN know that YOU are saved.
My good friend was a Protestant, and she says she was always “missing something” before she converted. I’ll bet your Catholic husband is a great father. Mine is!!!!
Exactly. We ARE going to sin. But thank God that we can repent, turn away from our sin, and confessit to God so He can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
That’s how I feel, too. I so want my Catholic brothers and sisters to have salvation but if they don’t believe it’s by faith alone, it does make me wonder. The Bible’s not enough, faith alone isn’t enough...very sad.
Amen.
Yes, dear mgist. God IS love,but He is also a God of Justice. You can’t run away from Him forever, as some try to. His justice will be meted out eventually.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know the saying “actions speak louder than words”? When non-believers see your loving actions, done in the name of God, they will follow. It is exactly what Jesus did. He gave the world testimony of God’s incredible love and mercy, though His actions and through His words. There will always be those who doubt and slander you, like the Pharisees. Still, He assured us that, in the end, He will prevail.
See, that’s the thing. Explanations of Catholic belief offered by Catholics are either (a) rejected as doubletalk or (b) mocked with derisive laughter.
Oh brother. What a crock.
On St. Patty’s day, a lot of them are worshipping green beer.
Don’t you know that our God is a jealous God?
You should have said "Oh brother, what a pair of crocks!"
I think Mary won!
He’s jealous of other gods. Do you think He’s jealous of His own mother? Is He having a contest with Mary about who can have the biggest party?
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