Basic Questions

[JREAM]

Hi Guys.

Here are some questions of mine up for discussion on the Catholic doctrine.

Is/Was Mary Divine?

Is Intercession/prayer to/with Saints in heaven Biblical?

If you can pray to saints, can you pray to angels?

If you can pray to saints, can an unsaved person pray to Mary to ask Jesus to save that persons soul? Can one get salvation through Mary to send the message to Jesus?

Is Jesus the ONLY mediator between man and God?

Speaking in Tongues, yes/no, practiced?

With the blood/body bread/wine, why would God perform miracles that are counterfeit or accidental so to speak though he never did in the Bible?

What is with all the names, Cardinal, Deacon, etc, why aren’t they in the Bible? Did I miss a book, or is this in the Catholic Bible with the extra books?

How come the churches always have Jesus on the cross suffering? What about when he rose from the dead?

Thanks for any replies, I hope this doesn’t sound like I am attacking Catholics I tried to word it carefully because sometimes these things don’t blow over too well.

I would appreciate it if you could give me a shorter answer rather than go into great depths of essays, though if necessary I will read it if you need to say this to get your point across.

I do not know the Catholic leaders or Priests or quotes, I can not really regard them because I am basing this on Biblical principals and not what any man in position said - not to insult any leaders.

 

[Holly3278]

Here are some questions of mine up for discussion on the Catholic doctrine.

I’ll do my best to answer them.

Is/Was Mary Divine?

Nope, Mary is not and was not ever divine. Only God is divine.

If you can pray to saints, can you pray to angels?

Yes you can. A popular prayer is to St. Michael the Archangel.

If you can pray to saints, can an unsaved person pray to Mary to ask Jesus to save that persons soul? Can one get salvation through Mary to send the message to Jesus?

An unsaved person can definitely pray to Mary. However, one does not gain salvation by praying. One must first be baptized and then confirmed.

Is Jesus the ONLY mediator between man and God?

Nope, the saints and angels are also mediators between men and God.

Speaking in Tongues, yes/no, practiced?

Some Catholics, known as Charismatic Catholics do pray and speak in tongues.

With the blood/body bread/wine, why would God perform miracles that are counterfeit or accidental so to speak though he never did in the Bible?

I am honestly not sure how to answer this question so I’ll leave it to people who are wiser than me.

What is with all the names, Cardinal, Deacon, etc, why aren’t they in the Bible? Did I miss a book, or is this in the Catholic Bible with the extra books?

The word “pastor” is not in the Bible but yet it is a title of the leader of a church. How do you explain that? Also, the tile “Bishop” is in the Bible. See the following verse:

1Ti 3:1 KJV This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

How come the churches always have Jesus on the cross suffering? What about when he rose from the dead?

We have Jesus on a cross potrayed as suffering (also known as a crucifix) because it reminds us of what Jesus did for us. The cross alone is of no significance to Christians as it was not the cross that saved us but Jesus.

Thanks for any replies, I hope this doesn’t sound like I am attacking Catholics I tried to word it carefully because sometimes these things don’t blow over too well.

I would appreciate it if you could give me a shorter answer rather than go into great depths of essays, though if necessary I will read it if you need to say this to get your point across.

I do not know the Catholic leaders or Priests or quotes, I can not really regard them because I am basing this on Biblical principals and not what any man in position said - not to insult any leaders.

You’re welcome. I made my replies as short as possible. If I got any answers wrong, someone who is wiser than me will correct them but I think I got all the answers right. God bless!

 

[dosdog]

Hi Guys.

Here are some questions of mine up for discussion on the Catholic doctrine.

Is/Was Mary Divine?

Is Intercession/prayer to/with Saints in heaven Biblical?

If you can pray to saints, can you pray to angels?

If you can pray to saints, can an unsaved person pray to Mary to ask Jesus to save that persons soul? Can one get salvation through Mary to send the message to Jesus?

Is Jesus the ONLY mediator between man and God?

Speaking in Tongues, yes/no, practiced?

With the blood/body bread/wine, why would God perform miracles that are counterfeit or accidental so to speak though he never did in the Bible?

What is with all the names, Cardinal, Deacon, etc, why aren’t they in the Bible? Did I miss a book, or is this in the Catholic Bible with the extra books?

How come the churches always have Jesus on the cross suffering? What about when he rose from the dead?

Thanks for any replies, I hope this doesn’t sound like I am attacking Catholics I tried to word it carefully because sometimes these things don’t blow over too well.

I would appreciate it if you could give me a shorter answer rather than go into great depths of essays, though if necessary I will read it if you need to say this to get your point across.

I do not know the Catholic leaders or Priests or quotes, I can not really regard them because I am basing this on Biblical principals and not what any man in position said - not to insult any leaders.

Catholic Doctrinal Concordance
God, One and True God’s nature, Trinity, and Jesus
God’s Creatures Mary, Man, Angels, Saints, and the devil
God’s Remedies Grace, The Church, Scripture, and Sacraments
God’s Gifts Faith, Hope, Love, and Prayer
The Last Things Death, Purgatory, Heaven, and Hell
Additional Topics Apologetics, and topics of dispute with other Christians
Links Great Catholic links
infpage.com/concordance/

EWTN presents the teachings of the Catholic Church in an easy-to-use format. Catholic topics presented here are structured in a hierarchy of learning, from simple definitions and teachings to more detailed and involved. We encourage you to begin with the basics to become well grounded in Church teaching on a variety of subjects. As your understanding of a particular topic becomes more familiar, move on to the more in-depth study of each topic to round out your learning.
ewtn.com/faith/teachings/index.htm

 

[Tietjen]

Is/Was Mary Divine?

No.

Is Intercession/prayer to/with Saints in heaven Biblical?

Absolutely.

If you can pray to saints, can you pray to angels?

Yes.

If you can pray to saints, can an unsaved person pray to Mary to ask Jesus to save that persons soul? Can one get salvation through Mary to send the message to Jesus?

One can pray to Mary, but Salvation is through her Son, Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus the ONLY mediator between man and God?

Yes, but He has MANY co-mediators.

Speaking in Tongues, yes/no, practiced?

Not during Mass it isn’t!

With the blood/body bread/wine, why would God perform miracles that are counterfeit or accidental so to speak though he never did in the Bible?

Question doesn’t make sense.

What is with all the names, Cardinal, Deacon, etc, why aren’t they in the Bible? Did I miss a book, or is this in the Catholic Bible with the extra books?

Silly question. The real question is why Protestants removed 7 books from the Old Testiment during the 16th century. Prior to that… there was but one Bible… can you guess which one and what Church compiled it?

How come the churches always have Jesus on the cross suffering? What about when he rose from the dead?

Was the ressurection what brought salvation into the World? We choose to remember why Christ came into the World.

I do not know the Catholic leaders or Priests or quotes, I can not really regard them because I am basing this on Biblical principals and not what any man in position said - not to insult any leaders.

Can you show me where in the Bible we are told that Scripture alone is to guide the Church?

Now, I have answered your questions without the details behind the answers (as you requested). If you would someday like to know more, then don’t ask us to limit the answers. That would be like me asking you to limit your questions to 3 words or less.

P.S. - Welcome to the forums & God bless

 

[JREAM]

Thank you guy for the EWTN link thats a very good thing I can read through.

Yes, but He has MANY co-mediators.

Please refer to 1Ti 2:5 below, Im a bit unclear on this.

Was the ressurection what brought salvation into the World? We choose to remember why Christ came into the World.

Thats a good answer

Can you show me where in the Bible we are told that Scripture alone is to guide the Church?

I cant I don’t know how to answer this one

Now, I have answered your questions without the details behind the answers (as you requested). If you would someday like to know more, then don’t ask us to limit the answers. That would be like me asking you to limit your questions to 3 words or less.

One about praying to angels, is there a scripture that you know of in the Bible where it is located? I’m not trying to put you to work, no sweat if you are busy

Hi sorry, I didn’t mean you had to write one sentence. I sometimes get a long essay from someone going and Its a class of study in one post, I take a long time to reply maybe thats why I complain haha.

I’ve done some reading on Catholic so I just asked questions that I am unclear of

I’ll do my best to answer them.

An unsaved person can definitely pray to Mary. However, one does not gain salvation by praying. One must first be baptized and then confirmed.

Nope, the saints and angels are also mediators between men and God.

Lots of clear great answers Holly, thanks.

Had two questions of them, on the first, you must be baptized and confirmed - What does that mean to be confirmed, by the church? Baptism as in water baptism is required, who does the confirmation, what is required of this?

The second thing being the scripture: 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus, Please clear this up you may have misread what I said.

With the question you both didn’t understand Ill reword it: When you take communion or Euphony(?) Catholics believe the Bread/Wine becomes literal flesh and blood of Jesus. I do not know in all works of Jesus for Him to do hidden miracles nobody can see,

Suggesting who brought the Bible to us almost implies that tradition is superior to scripture. Either way the Bible is here because God - Be humble and work as if working for the Lord, It is nothing to boast about Catholics bringing the Book over.

 

[KarenNC]

What is with all the names, Cardinal, Deacon, etc, why aren’t they in the Bible? Did I miss a book, or is this in the Catholic Bible with the extra books?

Some of it will depend on the translation of the Bible one uses.
For instance, bishop is in Titus, 1 Timothy, Phillippians, Acts and 1 Peter (if you use the KJV, otherwise look for “overseer” which is how the NIV translates it in some verses at least)

“Reverend” is also not in the Bible as the title for a church office that I can find. It is attested to from the 1400s
etymonline.com/index.php?search=reverend&searchmode=none
reverend
1428, “worthy of respect,” from M.Fr. reverend, from L. reverendus “(he who is) to be respected,” gerundive of revereri (see reverence). As a form of address for clergymen, it is attested from 1485; earlier reverent (c.1380 in this sense). Abbreviation Rev. is attested from 1721, earlier Revd. (1693). Very Reverend is used of deans, Right Reverend of bishops, Most Reverend of archbishops.

“Preacher”, “pastor” and “minister” are all in there in various places.

For deacon, you missed Phillippians 1:1, and 1 Timothy chapter 3 (several references)

Priest is all over the place.

Cardinal,
etymonline.com/index.php?search=cardinal&searchmode=none
cardinal (n.)
1125, “one of the ecclesiastical princes who constitute the sacred college,” from L. cardinalis “principal, chief, essential,” from cardo (gen. cardinis) “that on which something turns or depends,” originally “door hinge.” Ecclesiastical use began for the presbyters of the chief (cardinal) churches of Rome. The adj. sense of “chief, principal” in Eng. is attested from c.1440. Cardinal numbers (1591) are the primitive “one, two, three,” etc. as opposed to ordinal numbers “first, second, third,” etc. Cardinal points (1549) are “north, south, east, west.” The cardinal virtues (c.1300) were divided into natural (justice prudence, temperance, fortitude) and theological (faith, hope, charity). The N.Amer. songbird (Cardinalis virginianus) is attested from 1678, so named for its resemblance to the red robes of the cardinals.

from same source
Pope
O.E. papa, from M.L. papa “bishop, pope” (in classical L., “tutor”), from Gk. papas “patriarch, bishop,” originally “father.” Applied to bishops of Asia Minor and taken as a title by the Bishop of Alexandria c.250. In Western Church, applied especially to the Bishop of Rome since the time of Leo the Great (440-461) and claimed exclusively by them from 1073. Popemobile, his car, is from 1979. Papal, papacy, later acquisitions in Eng., preserve the original vowel. Popery (1534) was a hostile coinage of the Reformation.

monsignor
title conferred on some prelates, 1641, from It. monsignore, formed on model of Fr. monseigneur from equivalent elements in It.
(ie literally “my lord”, same roots as monsieur in modern French)

 

[Holly3278]

Thank you guy for the EWTN link thats a very good thing I can read through.

Please refer to 1Ti 2:5 below, Im a bit unclear on this.

Thats a good answer

I cant I don’t know how to answer this one

One about praying to angels, is there a scripture that you know of in the Bible where it is located? I’m not trying to put you to work, no sweat if you are busy

Hi sorry, I didn’t mean you had to write one sentence. I sometimes get a long essay from someone going and Its a class of study in one post, I take a long time to reply maybe thats why I complain haha.

I’ve done some reading on Catholic so I just asked questions that I am unclear of

Lots of clear great answers Holly, thanks.

Had two questions of them, on the first, you must be baptized and confirmed - What does that mean to be confirmed, by the church? Baptism as in water baptism is required, who does the confirmation, what is required of this?

The second thing being the scripture: 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus, Please clear this up you may have misread what I said.

With the question you both didn’t understand Ill reword it: When you take communion or Euphony(?) Catholics believe the Bread/Wine becomes literal flesh and blood of Jesus. I do not know in all works of Jesus for Him to do hidden miracles nobody can see,

Suggesting who brought the Bible to us almost implies that tradition is superior to scripture. Either way the Bible is here because God - Be humble and work as if working for the Lord, It is nothing to boast about Catholics bringing the Book over.

As for your question on confirmation, see this page:

newadvent.org/cathen/04215b.htm

Here is another link that contains Catechism of the Catholic Church entries on confirmation. I will quote the In Brief part.

1315 “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (*Acts *8:14-17).

1316 Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.

1317 Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one’s life.

1318 In the East this sacrament is administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the Eucharist; this tradition highlights the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. In the Latin Church this sacrament is administered when the age of reason has been reached, and its celebration is ordinarily reserved to the bishop, thus signifying that this sacrament strengthens the ecclesial bond.

1319 A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs.

1320 The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism (in the East other sense-organs as well), together with the laying on of the minister’s hand and the words: “Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti” (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman rite, or: Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti [the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit] in the Byzantine rite.

1321 When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among other ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.

Also, you are quite welcome. I’m glad I could be of help.

 

[ralphinal]

All of these posts have been great. Please let me clarify one small point. The word “mediator” is defined as one who brokers a treaty. A person who delivers messages from one to another is an “intermediary.” That is a major distinction and important to note. There is only one who sealed the new covenant between God and man. Jesus was not a messenger boy. I hope that this understanding helps clear that up. Saints, angels, and even other people on earth can pray for us, but onle one brokered the deal to grant us salvation, and he did it with his suffering, death, and ressurection.

 

[Tietjen]

First, please forgive my earlier short answers. Originally, I felt as though you were just another anti-Catholic come to lay a “shotgun” blast of many questions, without really wanting the answers. You might be surprised at the number of people who come here and do that. However, you came back, read the answers that were given and responded respectfully. Thank you.

Please refer to 1Ti 2:5 below, Im a bit unclear on this.

First, if you’ll notice that at the beginning of 1 Tim 2, St. Paul says, “*First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. *
This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.”

Supplications, prayers, and intercessions are acts of mediation. So, one needs to ask why St. Paul would be instructing St. Timothy to pray for (mediate) people on behave of “everyone” especially those in leadership positions. When another person asks you to pray for them, are they in fact not asking you to go to Jesus on their behave? Won’t that then make you a mediator too? Catholics believe in the communion of saints. That is the unity amoung all believers both living on earth and dead who are committed followers of Jesus Christ. In 1 Tim 3:15 we are made part of God’s family in Christ. In 1 John 3:1 we are called children of God. In Rom 8:17 we are joint heirs with Christ. In other words, we are one family. Now, Romans 8:35-39 says that nothing can separate us from God, not even death. Therefore, we remain part of the family of God whether we are still walking this earth or in Heaven with our Lord. Does it then make sense that our brothers and sisters who are already standing in the presence of God no longer care about us? Of course not. So, is it not rational to know that if we ask them to pray for us, that they will do so? They did while they were here on earth, why wouldn’t they do so now that they are pure before God?

Tietjen:

Can you show me where in the Bible we are told that Scripture alone is to guide the Church?

I cant I don’t know how to answer this one

Your original post said that you wanted answers based soley from the Bible and that you had no interest on what Church leaders had to say. The Catholic Church uses the Bible and Traditions to impart Church teachings and dogmas. The Bible itself says to do so (2 Thes 2:15, 1 Cor 11:2, 2 Thes 3:6, Acts 20:35, etc. etc. etc.). Therefore, I think it slightly unfair to ask us to answer your questions ONLY with scriptures. However, I will continue to try to do so.

One about praying to angels, is there a scripture that you know of in the Bible where it is located? I’m not trying to put you to work, no sweat if you are busy

It goes back to being part of the family of God. Angels too our part of that family created to worship God just as we are. We see in the Bible angels acting as God’s messengers as all Christians are called to do. We know angels are living beings and that God has created them as such. In Rev 8:3-4 we see angels actually bringing prayers before God.

((( Continued on next post )))

 

[Tietjen]

(((Continued from previous post )))

Now, before I go on, I realized why prayer to angels and saints may be a problem to you. Let me define for you how Catholics see prayer. We do NOT see it as worship. We do not worship the saints nor do we worship angels. Prayer is another word for “request.” We request our departed brothers and sisters and the angels to “request” or petition God on our behave. That is what we are doing when we pray to saints and/or angels. Think back to long ago england, or even America at it’s birth. It was not at all uncommon to hear someone say something like, “I pray you sir, please (fill in the blank).” The word “pray” is a word used to request something of someone, not worship that someone.​

I’ve done some reading on Catholic so I just asked questions that I am unclear of

No problem. I understand now, though as I indicated at the beginning of this post, I didn’t originally.

With the question you both didn’t understand Ill reword it: When you take communion or Euphony(?) Catholics believe the Bread/Wine becomes literal flesh and blood of Jesus. I do not know in all works of Jesus for Him to do hidden miracles nobody can see,

I think that I understand now. You seem to be implying that when the miracle surrounding the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord takes place, there is no outward sign indicating such. And if I understand correctly, you want to know why if while Christ walked among us and created miracles that could be seen, He wouldn’t likewise make it evident when the bread and wine changes into the body and blood. Right? First, I do not know the mind of God. I do however trust Him completely. Why? because the Bible says this about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist:
Mat 26:26-28
1 Cor 11:23-29
Ex 12:8, 46 (in conjuction wth Jn 1:29)
Jn 6:51-56

In conclusion, allow me to quote from John 20:29 - Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Suggesting who brought the Bible to us almost implies that tradition is superior to scripture. Either way the Bible is here because God - Be humble and work as if working for the Lord, It is nothing to boast about Catholics bringing the Book over.

First, Tradition is not superior to Scripture. They work together. Neither contradict one another, but instead make one another more easily understood. Second, I only bring this up because you originally said that you only wanted to hear from the Bible and not from other sources such as Tradition or Church leaders. Well, it was these same “leaders” (through the guidence of the Holy Spirit) who provided you with the Bible you have today (minus 7 books if you are using a Protestant Bible) and I do not understand how you can reject them in one area and yet embrace them in another. As far as boasting… I am not boasting, merely pointing out the truth. Should the truth be kept silent? To God goes the glory since this Church, the Catholic Church, is His Church.