Catholic practices questionable

[regression]

Belloc Fan, thanks for the additional info. Again, I agree with you about when someone bows, it isn’t always worship, I just wanted some clarification on your example. Thanks.

 

[Belloc_Fan]

Belloc Fan, thanks for the additional info. Again, I agree with you about when someone bows, it isn’t always worship, I just wanted some clarification on your example. Thanks.

No problem. You were right that simply showing that kneeling in front of statues while praying to God (or particularly, in *the Presence *of God) is ok isn’t the same as showing that kneeling in front of statues while praying to saints is ok; but in this case, the OP’s argument was just against having statues generally, and kneeling in front of them specifically. The question of motive is an additional layer worth considering, since sometimes kneeling in front of statues IS sinful – like when you’re worshipping them. So it comes down to motive, who you’re praying to and why, etc.

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

When ever one enters ones home; you may find photos of loved ones, or pictures from a photo album that records famous family events and vacation spots.

This is how it is when you enter God’s house in the Catholic Church, We have pictures of our family members in the house hold (family) of God, be it a painting, photo, relic, statue in the house of God.

In ancient Israel, God’s house contained pictures, statues of angels resembling the heavenly throne. Yet God did not curse Israel for the Cheribim statues, but God commanded Moses to build them in his house of the Holy of Holies.

In every Catholic Church you will see pictures of the greatest event in the history of mankind. The passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ pictured on the stained windows, painted on the walls and or statues reflecting the great redemptive act of Jesus and or photos of the event. Every house of God maintains the memoirs of the family of God.

You have been misinformed about the family and house of God. Catholics do not worship these statues, photos or painitings of Jesus and our parted brothers and sisters who live in the heavenly house of God. We are reminded that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.

Hebrew 12:1
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us 2 and persevere in running the race that lies before us
2
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.

As far as praying the Gospel in the mysteries of the Rosary, again you have been greatly misinformed;

Jesus prayed repetitive prayer; Mark 14:37
When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?
38
13 Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
39
**Withdrawing again, he prayed, saying the same thing. **

If Jesus is witnessed as repeating prayer, and God cannot lie or decieve? then someone has lied to you or you have been misinformed about the family of God in the Catholic Church and the communion of Saints in heaven.

Peace be with you

 

[PJM]

=Janaji- I am curious to know the answers to a couple of questions from a Catholic point of view & from some knowledgeable person.

The bible says, Lev 26:1 >Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Why do I always see statues & figures of Christ on the cross or Mary holding a dead Christ in churches & Catholic supported locations & why do people & priests alike bow down before these images & pray ?

The bible also says, Mat 6:7 > But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

What about the rosary ? Isn’t that repetitions of prayer ?

Thank you for your time & insight.

***Thanks for asking. Because you were so nice I’m actually going to add a third bit of information for you.

Certainly the OT is valid and of great signifiance. However friend there is now a "New Covenant and with the New, the Old is abolished.***

***Heb. 8: 6 “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second.” ***

2 Cor. 5:17 "Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; * the old has passed away, behold, the new has come

**Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” **

Heb. 8: 13 "In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. "

***Now for your questions. Do you have photos of family and loved ones? Why? To remind you of them. that why we have statues. God approved Read Exodus 26 and see what God Commanded of Moses for His Ark, and also the “Seperant of the Pole”

God is speaking of “false idols” other gods, not reminders of Mary and the Saints***

As for repetion and prayer. May I suggest you read Psalm 136. There are other examples but you can see its clearly biblcal. Once again the meaning is unclear. God is simply telling us that the number of words alone don’t impress Him. It is always sincerity of heart.

Love and prayers friend. may I respectfully suggest you spend more time in the NT, that is where salvation is from:thumbsup: