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MarkInOregon
Guest
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Continuing:Matthew -
The papacy, purgatory, the catholic priesthood, the mass, indulgences, all the Marian dogmas, the catholic concept of justification, scapulars, rosaries, magic medals, etc have absolutely, positively no basis in special revelation (i.e. Scripture) whatsoever.
BouleTheou
And Mary of the top of my head:
–Mother of God. Clearly in the Scripture. I’m pretty sure she gave birth to Jesus in the Scriptures.
–Ever Virgin. Scripture is clear that Jesus was born of a virgin so we know that Mary was a virgin at that point. And Scripture is silent as to after that. Now I know you will cite verses you believe contradict that but I don’t agree that those verses say what you want them to say. But we have oral tradition handed down since the time of the apostles to affirm this teaching and thats why we believe it.
–Immaculate conception & assumption. Scripture no where denies these doctrines so you cannot prove them false through scripture. We have oral tradition from the time of the apostles handing these beliefs down to us today. Thats why we believe them.
Now I see no rational explanation for the venom and anger these teachings seem to draw from you. Just what about them is offensive to you? How do they detract from or deminish Christ–I can’t see how they possibly do. Christ certainly honored his mother while He was here on earth as a man and these teachings reflect that honor and deny nothing of what Christ is and what he did for us. Mary by her life provides an example to us of how to follow Christ, of how to fully submit to the will of God–and yet you seem to be afraid to show her the honor and respect she deserves as one chosen by God–a respect shown to her by Christ whom we should model. Indeed you seem to show more respect to the apostle Paul than to the mother of our God made man.
Finally it would be nice if you could make a distinction between doctrinal teaching and devotional practices. The rosary, scapular and medals (which by the way are not magic) are not doctrinal teachings but rather are devotional practices which help draw us nearer to Christ. Your anger over these only shows your ignorance regarding the practices. Why would you object to someone praying and meditating on the life of Christ–which is what we do when we pray the rosary–is beyond me.
The peace of Christ be with you.
Mark