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PhilNeri
Guest
How would one explain scapulars (particularly brown) to Protestants? I want to have a better answer than “It’s tough to explain.”
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GoodSamaritan
Guest
Start here:
newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm
Then show them what the Church officially says about things like your scapular:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c4a1.htm#1677
newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm
Then show them what the Church officially says about things like your scapular:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c4a1.htm#1677
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Robert_in_SD
Guest
Both of the cites above are excellent and accurate sources of information on the small scapulars. I did some research on the issue recently and found both places helpful.
Make sure you clarify with your protestant friends that: (1) they are not lucky charms; (2) they are not free tickets to Heaven; and (3) they are not “get out of purgatory free” cards.
Peace and Charity,
S
Scott_Waddell
Guest
Scapulars are the same as any sacramental: they foster the proper disposition in the user so that they may receive (and be receptive to) actual graces. Of course there is the matter of explaining the difference between actual grace and sanctifying grace.
Scott
Scott
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Bruised_Reed
Guest
Do you wear a scapular? If you could explain why you wear one that could be helpful.
It might also be interesting to share some of the miracles associated with it.
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turboEDvo
Guest
Well, basically a scapular is a necklace-like thing with a felt tag on both sides. It gives the wearer salvation from Hell. Also, it gives teh wearer protection. As for miracles associated with it, there are many. I heard of one in which a man who wore a scapular was severed in half when he was hit by a train and should have died instantly. He remained alive long enough for a priest to come and give Last Rites. Another miracle occured when a man wearing a scapular was shot: the bullet hit the scapular and did not penetrate the little piece of felt. However, as was stated, the wearer must have the proper disposition and belief. One story went that a German Nazi soldier was injured and brought to a hospital. While he was unconscious, a nurse placed a scapular around his neck. He promptly woke up screaming that it was burning him, and upon tearing it off, he died. So, those are a few. I have a whole mess of pages on my other comp about scapulars if you want them. Just PM me
I wear one, and keep one in my car for protection of myself and my carpoolers and friends (on a ship that was about to be crushed by a huge wave at sea, a man took off his scapular and pinned it to the deck of the ship. The waves instantly and miraculously ceased), and in an accident December 2003, I was t-boned. All 4 people in my car were fine, not a scratch. The accident could have been much worse. I do think the fact that I drive a Volvo helped, but the accident was still bad, and the guys on the passanger side could have been seriously hurt. Luckily, we came through.
Eamon
I wear one, and keep one in my car for protection of myself and my carpoolers and friends (on a ship that was about to be crushed by a huge wave at sea, a man took off his scapular and pinned it to the deck of the ship. The waves instantly and miraculously ceased), and in an accident December 2003, I was t-boned. All 4 people in my car were fine, not a scratch. The accident could have been much worse. I do think the fact that I drive a Volvo helped, but the accident was still bad, and the guys on the passanger side could have been seriously hurt. Luckily, we came through.
Eamon
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Fashina86
Guest
Blood Rain:
God Bless–JMJ
Laura
Good question… Yes, I do. It was something my mom started me doing when I was little. The woolen scapular is an irritant and therefore it is like doing penance constanly. It was given to St. Benedict (I think) and is supposed to save the wearer from Hell. It has been a wonderful help to me!
God Bless–JMJ
Laura
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GoodSamaritan
Guest
See, now that’s probably not a good place to start. Expecting someone to believe that a string with two pieces of felt attached effectually does this is akin to the ‘lucky charm’ theory. Reiterate that COOPERATION with God’s grace as well as devotion NOT to the scapular but to Jesus thru Mary is what will strengthen us in grace so as to be saved.
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RomanRiteTeen
Guest
St. Simon Stock, actually. He was an English Carmelite.Good question… Yes, I do. It was something my mom started me doing when I was little. The woolen scapular is an irritant and therefore it is like doing penance constanly. It was given to St. Benedict (I think) and is supposed to save the wearer from Hell. It has been a wonderful help to me!
God Bless–JMJ
Laura
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PhilNeri
Guest
Thanks a lot for all the help! God Bless!
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johnq
Guest
True examples work well.
Here is a story on the sacrament grace given through the brown scapular, St. Benedict medal and crucifix.
I sometimes work with a 27 yr old man who was in a severe skiing accident 6 yrs ago. He told me God appeared to him at the moment of the accident. After approximately a year long comma and intensive care, he came home and convinced his mom to return to the Church even though he was never raised in the faith. He iss in a wheel chair, with severe head injuries and could walk only with assistance. He cannot care for himself, and the depression is so bad he is suicidal.
When he is thinking right, he will ask profound questions about God and you can actually see his face glowing.
His mood can switch instantly. He can go from loving, glowing, peaceful to hateful, suicidal and angry. He will try to throw himself down the stairs, cut his throat or hurt you. One time I had my hand between his throat and a dull razor blade knife. This goes on for hours or until his mother gets home.
Please keep in mind that although serious, if he truly wanted to commit suicide I could not stop him. He physically stronger than me and I am not weak. He has a very good angel.
During my last visit, his mood changed for the worse. I always pray while at his house, especially while satan attacks him. This time my angel reminded me of the graces attributed to sacramentals. I placed the brown scapular, St. Benedict medal and crucifix around his neck. In three minutes he told me he was sorry and asked what I put around his neck “because it worked, I could feel God giving me grace.” We then spent the rest of the day in peace and talking about God.
Here is more info on the scapular.
kensmen.com/catholic/scapulars.html
Here is a story on the sacrament grace given through the brown scapular, St. Benedict medal and crucifix.
I sometimes work with a 27 yr old man who was in a severe skiing accident 6 yrs ago. He told me God appeared to him at the moment of the accident. After approximately a year long comma and intensive care, he came home and convinced his mom to return to the Church even though he was never raised in the faith. He iss in a wheel chair, with severe head injuries and could walk only with assistance. He cannot care for himself, and the depression is so bad he is suicidal.
When he is thinking right, he will ask profound questions about God and you can actually see his face glowing.
His mood can switch instantly. He can go from loving, glowing, peaceful to hateful, suicidal and angry. He will try to throw himself down the stairs, cut his throat or hurt you. One time I had my hand between his throat and a dull razor blade knife. This goes on for hours or until his mother gets home.
Please keep in mind that although serious, if he truly wanted to commit suicide I could not stop him. He physically stronger than me and I am not weak. He has a very good angel.
During my last visit, his mood changed for the worse. I always pray while at his house, especially while satan attacks him. This time my angel reminded me of the graces attributed to sacramentals. I placed the brown scapular, St. Benedict medal and crucifix around his neck. In three minutes he told me he was sorry and asked what I put around his neck “because it worked, I could feel God giving me grace.” We then spent the rest of the day in peace and talking about God.
Here is more info on the scapular.
kensmen.com/catholic/scapulars.html
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