A Non demonination friend is implying that Canonisation is judging the dead

[Jim_Dandy]

Protestants speak of the dead when referring to saints. I find this astonishing, since they call themselves “Christian,” and authentic, original Christianity teaches that death is but a doorway to eternal life – and life endures whether in heaven or in hell.

Jim Dandy
former Protestant

 

[davec66]

I believe that the Saints canonised by the Pope are in heaven, and that this is infallible. But how do I explain that this is not judging the dead ?

I don’t know about Judging the dead. I guess it comes from the fact that we will be judged at by God at the judgment. Not before. Whether a person or Saint goes to heaven or hell is up to God and not any man no matter who they are. Canonization is a man made thing. It is not biblical at all.

 

[davec66]

The church is not judging anyone. Only God can do that. What the church is doing, however, is acknowledging that these people are indeed in heaven.

The Church can not make that determination. Only God can and we all stand before God at the end time judgment. Everyone the Bible says. Just because the Church says something doesn’t make it so. According to the Bible the Anti-Christ will do miracles. Is he going to heaven?

 

[twopekinguys]

The Church can not make that determination. Only God can and we all stand before God at the end time judgment. Everyone the Bible says. Just because the Church says something doesn’t make it so. According to the Bible the Anti-Christ will do miracles. Is he going to heaven?

Maybe you aren’t familiar with Rev. 8: 3-4 (bolding mine)

3 And another angel came, and stood before the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all **saints **upon the golden altar, which is before the throne of God.

4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the **saints **ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.

 

[Todd520]

I believe that the Saints canonised by the Pope are in heaven, and that this is infallible. But how do I explain that this is not judging the dead ?

Is this a useful analogy ?
The Pope is selecting his short list of MVP players.
God’s real MVP team of saints will be much bigger than what the Pope suggested

The Pope’s MVP team gives us fans in the seats, specific people to look up to and try emulate (good thing). He is also guided by the Holy Spirit in his selection.

We will know the Pope got right after we make it to heaven