Yes, but how are we to believe what’s non negotiable and what’s not?
We have catholics that SWEAR they don’t pray to Mary, yet they do. (you not being one of them) How does a catholic sit back and let something as simple as “praying TO” be an issue when it’s set in stone? For me, it suggests that many don’t know/understand their doctrine.
I’m just trying to nail down what is truly catholic doctrine and what is not. Now that YOPIOS has entered the conversation, I’m simply curious.
The question was what in Scripture is definitively interpreted by the Church, the interpretation of which no member can reject or interpret differently from the Church.
The examples I gave, are in fact the doctrines of Christianity which are accepted by Christians, ALL Christians, whether in communion with the Church or not.
For me, it suggests that many don’t know/understand their doctrine.
Many don’t and many are not interested in all the debate about doctrine and such. It is not that they are incapable, but that they are just people of simple faith and have no need to get into all the nuts and bolts.
Marian prayer and intercession is a part of the Catholic church and when one trust that Jesus gave her authority which began with the Apostles and was then handed on throughout the ages, one can accept that Marian prayer is not problematic.
Mary intercedes for us with her Son, this is what the Church teaches. But, no one is compelled to pray to Mary, or to pray the rosary.
When a Catholic claims they do not pray TO Mary one must understand that it is a reaction to the accusation that prayer to her bypasses or supplants those to Jesus.
It is not and the Church never teaches that it is.
The confusion is caused by protestants, not the Church.