Catholic Doctrine Questions

[airnavisrad]

Hello all,

A brief introduction before my questions (I’m new here so if they were asked multiple times - which I’m sure they were - forgive me! )

I was raised Catholic and lately have even discerned priesthood (more recently especially after finding myself laid-off and a number of churches in my hometown have closed due to priest shortage.) My father’s side of the family is mostly conservative Baptist. He converted to Catholicism upon marrying my mother, but has many reservations about the church.

We often debate R.C.C. doctrine and he is especially interested in Eschatology. Most recently, he received the book 2008 - God’s Final Witness by Ron Weinland. I browsed through the book…it is clear Weinland is not a fan of our faith. He is a false prophet.

However, my post is not to discuss Weinland’s anti-catholic views, but rather the timing of him receiving this book and what we debate about all the time was ironic.

I wanted to ask the folks from this website their findings about the following questions we often debate, so perhaps I can be more prepared when these things arise! I also talk with religious so as to get all perspectives (no offense, I’m sure this website is better than most, but I take what I read on the internet with a grain of salt!)

That being said, can someone please answer for me:

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues? Why is it that we crown a statue of Mary each May and in Italy (as well as in our hometown), locals process the streets with a statue of the Mary…he see’s this as surprisingly similarity to the golden calf!

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

I know there are a few others, and some of these are no doubt controversial requiring lengthy answers, but thanks in advance for sharing any insight!

 

[Eucharisted]

1 Christians venerate saints and the statues they portray, and worship God. If we were worshipping saints and statutes, we would be guilty of idoltry (“graven images”).
2 False. We venerate God’s angels and saints for the work He has done through and in them.
3 Father is the equivalent to Rabbi. It means “teacher”.
4 There are several verses on purgatory and praying for the dead, but I don’t know them by heart.
5 The Mass is about Jesus, not about the Bible. Read about the Last Supper.
6 Jesus absolves us through the priest. The priest is a screen for Jesus, just as a screen is between the priest and the sinner in the confessional.
7 Got any hard data to back it up, like historical records or documents?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Welcome to CAF!

1.) If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues?
Statues are not gods. We do not worship them. They are reminders of holy persons we admire. Who would call the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial a “graven image”? We don’t worship statues of Mary and the saints any more than we worship the statue of Lincoln. By the way, God also instructed His people in the Old Testament to construct the Ark of the Covenant with graven images of angels on it. If He really meant NO graven images, He would not have asked the people to do this. Mary’s queenship is based on the kingship of her Son Jesus. Ever since the time of Solomon, Jewish people considered the mother of the king to be the queen, and her role as intercessor was very important. People who needed a favor from the king would request it through the queen. We do the same thing when we go to Jesus through Mary.

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?
We are not Mary-worshipers. Prayer to Mary is not worship. We ask Mary to pray for us just as we ask any other Christian to pray for us. If you ask family members to pray for you, is that worship? Are you using them as mediators between God and man? Scripture tells us to pray for each other. Death does not separate us from this holy duty. The role of Mary (or any of the saints) to “mediate” (we call it intercessory prayer) is always subordinate to the one perfect mediation of Christ.

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).
We call our human parent “father” and no one is bothered by that. “Call no man father” means that we don’t place any human person on the same level as God. Even Paul referred to himself as a spiritual father.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin. (2 Maccabees 12:46)

Judas prays for some sinners who have died. If the dead were already in heaven, there would be no need for atonement. If they were in hell, atonement would be useless, since the punishment of hell is eternal. The dead in question must have been in some “intermediate” place, i.e., what we call Purgatory.

“Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:25-26)

Here Jesus speaks of a purifying punishment that is temporary, from which we will finally be released, i.e., what we call Purgatory.

“… whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)

This implies that there are some sins that can be forgiven after death. Purification after death is what we call Purgatory.

“But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)

Purgatory has been described as a purifying fire.

May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus because he often gave me new heart and was not ashamed of my chains … May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)

Here Paul prays for his dead friend Onesiphorus. Again, if Onesiphorus were in heaven, he would not be in need of prayers, and if he were in hell, prayer would be pointless. This implies that Paul believed in Purgatory.

… nothing unclean will enter it … (Revelation 21:27)

That is, nothing unclean will enter the city of God, which is heaven. Few of us are perfectly pure or free of sin at the time of death. If there were no Purgatory, most of us would be doomed to hell. Thank God for His mercy in giving us the opportunity for final purification (what we call Purgatory)!

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? … what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.
Over the course of a year, Catholics probably hear more of the Bible proclaimed at Mass than most other Christians. Those who attend Mass regularly hear a practically complete overview of the Bible over the course of a year because of the liturgical cycle of readings, rather than repeating the same readings over and over. And most of the Mass itself (not just the readings) is scripturally based, i.e., many of the prayers of the Mass come from the Bible.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?
Because Jesus told the apostles (the first priests): “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:22-23)

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?
The Catholic Church saved the lives of many people by giving them safe harbor during the Nazi occupation. I am not sure which other “atrocities” your friend refers to, but the Church is made up of a mix of saints and sinners like any other organization. If a Pope or any other Catholic commits a sinful act, it does not change the fact that Jesus said, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” In other words, Christ remains in the Church He established despite the imperfections of its individual members.

 

[diggerdomer]

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues? Why is it that we crown a statue of Mary each May and in Italy (as well as in our hometown), locals process the streets with a statue of the Mary…he see’s this as surprisingly similarity to the golden calf!

This problem was addressed definitively by the ecumenical Council of Nicaea II in 787 A.D. newadvent.org/cathen/11045a.htm

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

False

(although, in practice, there may of course by Catholics who espouse such false ideas)

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).

Because God is our Father, properly understood, as Jesus taught us to pray to Him and address Him with such title.

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

Purgatory is not deduced from Scripture, though its truth is not contradictory to Scripture.

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

I am not aware of any Christian denomination that has more Scripture proclaimed/prayed at their weekly liturgy than Catholics do.

Do you?

A 3-year Lectionary is hardly repetitious or rambling…at least to anyone who’s actually paying attention to the readings and psalms/canticles from the Scripture.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

Only God forgives sins. As with all other sacramental actions. However, we Catholics believe that God acts in and through the Church, and in terms of sacraments at least this means in and through the ordained members of the Church whose ministry/office includes serving the community by administering and/or witnessing to these sacramental celebrations. God acts; first and primarily. However, every liturgical (and therefore of course as applicable, sacramental) service is first and primarily an action of God.

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

No human, and no human institution, is perfect. If your friend can find one that is, however, by all means join and let the rest of us know!

I know there are a few others, and some of these are no doubt controversial requiring lengthy answers, but thanks in advance for sharing any insight!

 

[japhy]

A brief introduction before my questions (I’m new here so if they were asked multiple times - which I’m sure they were - forgive me! )

Welcome to CAF.

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues?

That “…” is important. God commanded Israel to make no graven images to which people would bow down in worship. Then God commanded Israel to make graven images of cherubim (cf. Ex. 25:18) and place them on the top of the Ark of the Covenant! In addition, if you take Ex. 20:4 entirely literally, we are not allowed to make graven images or likenesses of anything whatsoever for any reason. That would mean no artwork (religious or otherwise) – no sculptures, no paintings, no photography, no drawings, etc.

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

No one should be worshiping Mary or the saints. They should be honored and venerated, but not worshiped. God alone is worshiped. We do pray to saints and angels in Heaven, but that’s not worship, that’s conversation; they present our petitions to God, and “the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.” (Jas. 5:16)

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9)

Jesus used the word “father” to refer to men. So did Paul (cf. Rom. 4:12); Paul even called himself someone’s spiritual father. (cf. 1 Cor. 4:15; Phlm. 1:10)

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

Sacred Scripture is not the only source of Catholic doctrine; rather, the whole of the revelation of the Word of God is handed on (traditio, in Latin) through writings (Scripture) and oral teachings (Tradition). Scripture is itself part of Tradition!

There is some evidence of Purgatory in Scripture, though. Jesus says some sins will be forgiven in the age to come (cf. Matt. 12:32), and Paul writes about being saved through fire despite the shoddy works we have built on top of the foundation of Christ. (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15)

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

Not all repetition is VAIN repetition. Jesus repeated himself in prayer. (cf. Matt. 26:44)

We hear Scripture readings for about 20 minutes or so at Sunday Mass. The First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, and Gospel are all Scripture. That’s four readings, rather than just a single one. In many Protestant denominations, it’s NOT Scripture that gets the most attention, it’s the pastor’s sermon on the Scripture!

In the Ordinary Form of the Mass (which you’re familiar with), there is a three-year cycle of readings for Sundays. You hear ALMOST THE WHOLE of the Gospels, a LOT of the rest of the New Testament, and a good portion of the Old Testament every three years. There are also three other psalms that are supposed to be sung or said during the Mass (at the beginning, at the offertory, and at Communion), but they’re rarely actually used… they’re replaced with hymns instead, some of which are Scriptural, some which aren’t, and many which have dodgy – non-Catholic – theology.

Most of the things we say or hear in the Mass come right from Scripture itself! (You – or your dad – might be interested in my book as soon as its available for sale – see below.)

If people knew what Mass was, what happens there, and WHO they receive there, they wouldn’t show up late and leave early.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

Because Jesus gave it to them. See John 20:21-23.

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

Just goes to show that we’re not in Heaven yet. Men are sinners. Get over it. Are you going to stop associating with people simply because they’re sinners? Even better, look at the human race as a whole: we’ve got a bad track record. Best not to associate with any of us.

And I might add that Pope Pius XII helped to save a lot of Jews during the Holocaust.

 

[airnavisrad]

Thank you all for your insight.

 

[tobinatorstark]

Hello all,

A brief introduction before my questions (I’m new here so if they were asked multiple times - which I’m sure they were - forgive me! )

I was raised Catholic and lately have even discerned priesthood (more recently especially after finding myself laid-off and a number of churches in my hometown have closed due to priest shortage.) My father’s side of the family is mostly conservative Baptist. He converted to Catholicism upon marrying my mother, but has many reservations about the church.

We often debate R.C.C. doctrine and he is especially interested in Eschatology. Most recently, he received the book 2008 - God’s Final Witness by Ron Weinland. I browsed through the book…it is clear Weinland is not a fan of our faith. He is a false prophet.

However, my post is not to discuss Weinland’s anti-catholic views, but rather the timing of him receiving this book and what we debate about all the time was ironic.

I wanted to ask the folks from this website their findings about the following questions we often debate, so perhaps I can be more prepared when these things arise! I also talk with religious so as to get all perspectives (no offense, I’m sure this website is better than most, but I take what I read on the internet with a grain of salt!)

That being said, can someone please answer for me:

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues? Why is it that we crown a statue of Mary each May and in Italy (as well as in our hometown), locals process the streets with a statue of the Mary…he see’s this as surprisingly similarity to the golden calf!

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

I know there are a few others, and some of these are no doubt controversial requiring lengthy answers, but thanks in advance for sharing any insight!

In addition to the answers given by these fine men, I suggest reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This Catechism contains virtually all teaching. It uses scripture, encyclicals, Ecumenical documents and such to define what as we Catholics believe. You can use this Catechism along with other valid Catechisms such as the Baltimore Catechism and Catechism of St. Pius X to defend your faith along with a solid Catholic Bible translation. The Catechism will agree with the answers that were given by those posted here. Welcome to Catholic Answers and don’t be afraid to ask anyone, anything. I rely on these guys and they rely on me for honest and truthful answers and you can be sure to get them here.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello all,

A brief introduction before my questions (I’m new here so if they were asked multiple times - which I’m sure they were - forgive me! )

I was raised Catholic and lately have even discerned priesthood (more recently especially after finding myself laid-off and a number of churches in my hometown have closed due to priest shortage.) My father’s side of the family is mostly conservative Baptist. He converted to Catholicism upon marrying my mother, but has many reservations about the church.

We often debate R.C.C. doctrine and he is especially interested in Eschatology. Most recently, he received the book 2008 - God’s Final Witness by Ron Weinland. I browsed through the book…it is clear Weinland is not a fan of our faith. He is a false prophet.

However, my post is not to discuss Weinland’s anti-catholic views, but rather the timing of him receiving this book and what we debate about all the time was ironic.

I wanted to ask the folks from this website their findings about the following questions we often debate, so perhaps I can be more prepared when these things arise! I also talk with religious so as to get all perspectives (no offense, I’m sure this website is better than most, but I take what I read on the internet with a grain of salt!)

That being said, can someone please answer for me:

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues? Why is it that we crown a statue of Mary each May and in Italy (as well as in our hometown), locals process the streets with a statue of the Mary…he see’s this as surprisingly similarity to the golden calf!

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations. Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

I know there are a few others, and some of these are no doubt controversial requiring lengthy answers, but thanks in advance for sharing any insight!

1. God commanded not to worship them as god’s
2. Mary is in Heaven at the right hand of Christ as the Queen of Heaven.
3. Because like St. Paul they are the spiritual fathers of many.
4. There are several that describe the process of purification, but then not everything is in Scripture.
5. The Mass is a union with the Heavenly Divine Liturgy described in the Apocalypse of St. John, the last book of the Bible.
6. The Priest dosen’t, Christ does, through the priest.
7. Humans who have free will will sometime behave badly and sinfully, no matter what gifts they receive from God.

 

[SHAKA_MAKA1]

I’ll send you 10 objections to the Catholic faith by Tim Staples if you want to e-mail me and send me your address. It’s a cd that explains all the questions your father has. Just hand it to him and tell him to listen to it.

 

[VociMike]

Just FYI in the future, it’s easier to keep threads manageable if there’s only one main question per thread.

1.) We often debate about statues and pictures in church. If God commanded “no graven images…” (Exodus 20:4) then why do we have statues? Why is it that we crown a statue of Mary each May and in Italy (as well as in our hometown), locals process the streets with a statue of the Mary…he see’s this as surprisingly similarity to the golden calf!

Exodus says more than that. It says make no image of any thing in heaven or on earth or under the earth or in the sea. That pretty much covers any image we make. So why does your family have images? Pictures on their money? TV? Pictures on the wall? Photo albums? Illustrated bibles (that’s a tough one!)?

One is either consistent or one isn’t. The Catholic understanding is quite consistent. Don’t worship false gods in any way. That would include making images of them for the purpose of worship.

2.) Many protestants believe Catholics are Mary-worshipers, and sometimes pray to saints as opposed to God (despite there being only one mediator between God and Man - Jesus Christ). True or False?

The most insane person in the universe is one who worships a being and then loudly and often denies that worship. That would make all Catholics the most insane people in the universe, since we all loudly and often deny that we worship Mary. If Mary actually deserved worship and we denied her, wouldn’t we be earning a quick ticket to hell?

3.) Why do we call priest’s “Father” if we are told to "Call no man ‘father’ (Matthew 23:9).

What do your family members call their fathers? What do they call their teachers? What did Paul call himself?

4.) I can not seem to locate any scripture regarding the existence of a purgatory…?

If you believe that you are not without sin or inclination to sin now, but that you will be without sin or inclination to sin in heaven, then you believe in purgagory. It is a logical necessity.

5.) “But when you pray, use not ‘vain’ repetitions, as the ‘heathens’ do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7) My father often see’s the Mass as more of a repetitious rambling, as opposed to being Bible-centered like perhaps other denominations.

Ask your father about the creatures who pray without ceasing in Revelation. Is that vain repetition?

Why is it that we do not read more of the Bible in Mass, rather selected segments of passages? Who amongst us is blind to some of our fellow parishioners who complain if the liturgy goes over 1 hour…only to receive communion and walk out, or hurry to their cars. I tried to suggest at least it’s taking time out of our life to spend in the presence of God, but what would you say to someone who is concerned Catholics do not read more of the Bible in their liturgy? Even more - who believes Catholics do not put enough emphasis on Scripture during their liturgy.

There is more scripture in the Mass than in any Protestant worship service. And Protestants who attend the Mass are the ones who notice this. From the beginning of the Mass to the end, scripture is heard and prayed constantly.

6.) How can a priest who is mortal man claim to have authority to absolve someone of their sins after Confession?

Because Jesus Christ said so. Are we to believe that the power of one priest’s sin is greater than the power of God? I don’t think so.

7.) What would you say to someone who argues the spiritual authority and credibility of the R.C.C. regarding its alleged association with assisting Nazis and Italian Fascists during WWII…or even more-so, during the age of the popes and some of the atrocities?

I’d say that we are all sinners, and that the Church led by Pius XII saved more Jews than any other organization on the planet, and that as soon as they landed on these shores the Protestants started persecuting the Catholics (simply read the history books), and it hasn’t ceased since then.

 

[airnavisrad]

Thank you again for your insight.

We didn’t get a chance to talk about everything, but his response to the statue issue:

1. God allowed the images on the arc because He commanded them to do it…we can not infer that it is also then okay for us to make images of other things just because God said it was fine for that one single time.

Technically, we should not have any images or statues. The reason being that we sheep can easily be scattered, mislead, and confused. Unfortunately when people take a statue and place a crown of flowers on it, or process it, or place flowers under it, or any other veneration, they place themselves in a vulnerable situation to be mislead just like what happened to the Israelites.

Your thoughts?

 

[VociMike]

Thank you again for your insight.

We didn’t get a chance to talk about everything, but his response to the statue issue:

1. God allowed the images on the arc because He commanded them to do it…we can not infer that it is also then okay for us to make images of other things just because God said it was fine for that one single time.

Technically, we should not have any images or statues. The reason being that we sheep can easily be scattered, mislead, and confused. Unfortunately when people take a statue and place a crown of flowers on it, or process it, or place flowers under it, or any other veneration, they place themselves in a vulnerable situation to be mislead just like what happened to the Israelites.

Your thoughts?

I would turn this argument back on him, but substitute “the bible” for “statues”. After all, all those people and groups that he considers to be misled regarding the truths found in the bible, were misled by the bible! Every heretic uses scripture to support his heresy. How many millions have been led astray by the words in the bible? Words not properly understood, true, but led astray nonetheless. This demonstrates that the bible is an extremely dangerous book.

If, on the other hand, reading the bible is a valid endeavor even though many are led astray by what they read in the bible, then using images and statues to represent those saints in heaven who have modeled the Christian life for us is also a valid endeavor.

 

[japhy]

God allowed the images on the arc because He commanded them to do it…we can not infer that it is also then okay for us to make images of other things just because God said it was fine for that one single time.

There’s more in 1 Kings 6-7. It wasn’t just once. The Temple constructed by Solomon was full of statues and imagery. But the other half of the story is that God, in taking on human flesh in His Son, has made true worship “incarnational”.

Technically, we should not have any images or statues. The reason being that we sheep can easily be scattered, mislead, and confused.

Which is why the shepherds must know and teach the true doctrine, so that the sheep will not be confused. Images and statues are not the only things can mislead, and you find people who don’t know what their congregation teaches in all branches of Protestantism.