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.
Maybe it’s the attitude of the one explaining?
I refer you to posts 4717 and 4712.
There ya go again, Petronski, assuming and making it personal.
Hundreds of millions of souls going to heaven and hoping you’ll be there too.
You bear false witness against me with stunning facility.
Sounds good to me.
It IS addictive, isn’t it???
So ignore, reject or deride the explanation because of a thin-skinned complaint about the messenger?
Petronski, do you really believe that EVERY Catholic is a Christian just because they attend church? I find it hard to believe that you don’t know the difference. All Catholics are not Christians just as all Christians are not Catholics. The Body of Christ is made up of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, those who have put their faith and trust in Him and are committed to following HIS way. I know plenty of people in all denominations who don’t follow Him. They go to church because they always did, their parents did, they need a social life, or whatever. Many have no relationship at all with Jesus Christ. And that’s what is needed.
Catholics shouldn’t be complaining that we don’t understand you or your church. You have a very biased opinion of protestants as well, nasty even.
That’s a lie. Born again believers HAVE to live up to the message of Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit doesn’t let us get away with NOT living that way. Shows me you have no idea of how we live. Just because we don’t believe Mary is our mommy and that the wafer is our daddy doesn’t mean what we believe is wrong. JESUS is our strong tower and our salvation. Nothing else.
What is a Christian in your belief? I’d like to know, sincerely. Are ALL Catholics christian?
***Protestants think they are the judges of who is “saved” and who will “go to heaven.”
That is not true.
I don’t know any Protestants who think they are judges of individuals. ***
Actually, ftD rather pointedly judged the condition of my soul and repeated himself over a number of posts on another thread.
That sentiment was apparently shared by an elect group of high fivers.
Amen. It’s not an automatic ‘given.’ The heart is the important factor for sure.
amen, amen,amen!!!!!
RIGHT ON!
She’s not disrespected. She’s just not put on a pedestal and thought of as above her Son.
That's your definition.
AMEN!
Thank you! Wonderful post.
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