So I’ll add that some people think they are worshipping God but they SEEM, at least, to put their trust in their devotions. To me, one hint of this is the tendency I see to multiply and, what, ramify things like the Rosary.
- - - - - - -
Well said. I grew up in Catholic school and had an Easter Orthodox stepfather and know exactly what you are talking about.
I know several Catholics who share your view and have the correct view concerning the cultus of the Saints and place of Mary. While I do know some Catholics who in actuality do worship Mary or some Saints, those who put them or the RC church above Christ, I know just as many (if not more) who do not.
And to be fair, I see similar behavior and ‘idol worship’ (even if the ‘idols’ are different) throughout the Body of Christ - Baptists, Lutherans, Evangelicals - who adore and worship the TRADITIONS rather than the LORD, and that is dangerous no matter what church you attend. KJV worship is a good example.
From what I see in your posts, you have a good grasp on the role of Saints and your relationship to Christ and do not appear to be in the above category. I commend you.
Praise God.
Please, if there is any good in this corpse, it is from God, and most certainly not from me.
I must hold fast to this because I am so vain, of myself, and I crave approval and kind words from men.
Only God deserves what I want for myself.
But thank you for understanding what I am struggling to articulate!