Protestants: How do you feel when you see Catholic sacramentals?

[crazzeto]

Coming from a protestant church with a an anti-Catholic Youth Pastor, I thought the worst of the Church. Statues were idolatrous, the rosary was worship and put Mary above God, Mass was boring and had “funky clothing” which meant that they were the religious activities that Christ spoke against regarding the pharisees, infant baptism was ridiculous because you had to choose to be baptized, there was no need for priests because Christ is the ONLY priest, I did not need to confess to anyone except God, praying to the saints was (once again) idolatrous and placing one’s hopes in created beings rather than in God, the Pope just wanted power, and all priests were involved in the same sins as those few priests that hit the newspapers. Oh yeah…and SOLA SCRIPTURA all the way baby!! Whew…that was a lot to type.

Now, i don’t feel that way (though I’m still having a bit of trouble with the praying to Mary and the saints). The statues are a way of having photographs of the saints, as there weren’t exactly any 35 mm cameras in the day. It is no different than having a picture of a family member in your house. Plus, looking back, even the pentecostal church I attended had a picture of the pastor and his wife up. Did they worship the pastor? No. I see it as the same thing. I know I said a lot above, so I’ll just say that 90% of what I state above has been flipped 180. I’m this close to starting the process of becoming Catholic…the only thing I’m having trouble with is, once again, the Communion of the Saints. I would also like to say that Catholic Churches are the most BEAUTIFUL churches that I’ve ever seen. I’ve always been a fan of the stained glass.

The biggest problem with me and my brother had always been the idea of “organized religion”. But now that I see what the CC is and (a small idea of) how it works, I must say that my opinions aren’t what they were. First of all, I’ve come to realize that even my pentecostal church was organized…from LA to all over the world. So either way, when I thought I was “stickin it the man” and not being a “drone” by going to organized religion…I was already there. I was just to stubborn and thick headed to realize it.

But the beautiful thing that I’ve come to appreciate about the CC is that they ARE organized. VERY MUCH SO! I can’t tell you how many different opinions I heard from many different pastors, the different theologies that are always being presented and the search for the one church out of all the thousands that teaches what I agree with. After researching the CC, I’ve come to realize that 1.) you can’t have a solid, united front against the devil without being organized 2.) there are many things that I had been against in the CC without knowing the reasoning, and now I agree with the CC and 3.) its nice to know that if I were to join the CC, I’d be in the same boat with everyone. I’d be apart of the family rather than just a pew warmer. We’d have the same beliefs, the same source to get our answers, go to the same church…and honestly, I’m finding that protestant churches and their teachings just aren’t cutting it. There are verses that they like to nit pick and others that they just ignore. The CC, from the answers that I’ve received on my other threads, uses the WHOLE BIBLE (which they put together I might add), all the verses on a particular subject, and figures out how two seemingly conflicting verses go together to form one theology and therefore, one solid unified front for God and against Satan.

Fairly big, but very very very interesting read. Thanks for sharing, God bless!

 

[JVSantos]

Anyone can post anything online, but that doesn’t make it true.

 

[stormy99]

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If any Protestants have ever been to a lecture by a Catholic priest, or to an event at a Catholic Church, how do you feel when you see Marian statues, statues in general, icons, rosaries, etc. What crosses your mind when you see these things?

When I wasn’t Catholic and saw these I felt a longing to know about them…we didn’t have them in my church but in my Grandmother’s church…Romanian Orthodox…always liked going with her…

stormy

 

[stormy99]

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I attended Catholic Mass for 7-8 years, and I remember how beautiful all the windows and decorations were. You definitely knew you were in church and not anywhere else! I knew every object and color were deliberately selected and were symbolic.

I never really believed about how the sacrament turned into Jesus, but I liked the routine of getting up each time and seeing my friends in line. I knew I was looking into history when I saw the different objects around the room (I don’t remember their names – the box where the leftover communion wafers go…). Catholic furnishing are very beautiful, and I used to imagine that I could go to any Catholic church from Maine to Mexico and see a very similar layout.

Although I’m happy LDS now, it was quite the culture shock to enter the simple Meeting House for the first time!

**My first experience in an LDS meeting house was a shock as was everything I learned about the Church…I was married to a RFM…and lived in Utah…that was a culture shock for me…What saved me was I was young and open minded about everything…however I could never conver to LDS and we divroced…

stormy**

 

[Seachange]

My understanding and I don’t know alot about this topic, is that these items and your use of them are a constant reminder to you of your faith, which then strengthen you in faith, making you more open to respnd to Gods graces and to do His will. So it does not matter if others can’t see it.
If you wear them without a faith or the right disposition ie not open to His grace, then they don’t achieve anything. Apart from perhaps reminding others of thier faith! If visible Which is great.

Th

Thank you for this. Recently, I went back to the States to visit my folks. Passing through the airports, I couldn’t believe how many people commented on my crucifix, strangers, asking to take a closer look, to hold it even.

<…>
I can’t tell you how many different opinions I heard from many different pastors, the different theologies that are always being presented and the search for the one church out of all the thousands that teaches what I agree with. <…>

What I found, I suppose because I had no church or any faith to begin with, was that it was not finding the one church out of all the thousands that teaches what I agree with, but finding the One Church which teaches the Truth, whatever I may have believed before. I used to come across things that I disagreed with. However, I found, on investigation and much prayer, that I have always been wrong in my disagreement. I misunderstood the teaching or failed in understanding the fullness of the teaching. I’ve had to change my ways, my attitudes, many times. Not my will, but Thine, be done.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten you on your journey home.

 

[brumano]

Well I’d love them…

I’ve already started a post on whether or not the Church members are required to pray to the saints. There have been a lot of posts and a lot of proof for the intercessory of the saints

Sometimes in Catholicism there is not an exact ironclad prevailing answer to every question, but there is pevailing truth, such as here; we are strongly advised and encouraged in every way to pray to the saints, keeping in mind and spirit who they are, and who are they? They are saints with all that that involves no more no less and we can read about their individual lives,spirituality and their wisdom in the Scriptures and in the Sacred writings of The Church, or in books such as Butler’s “Lives of the Saints” and others which the church may give it’s seal of permission to read and so on and so forth concerning the saints. But are we required to pray to them? No, but we are required to believe in them as, again as saints…from The Creed: “we believe in the communion of saints”. For instance you may have heard about probably one of the most well known of all saints, St Francis of Assisi; well his story, his teachings even his distinct spirituality are just well, a treasure of graces for the church and the whole world but do we have to pray to him? No, people who do would tell us we’re nuts if we don’t, however we must all believe what the church has proclaimed about him, his sainthood itself, must be believed in.

Yeah I’ve seen it, every life is different maybe the way for you is more of the put one foot in to test then maybe the other then wade in a little, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with that, the main thing is once you’re in you’re at peace with how you got in.

 

[JacquelineGrace]

If any Protestants have ever been to a lecture by a Catholic priest, or to an event at a Catholic Church, how do you feel when you see Marian statues, statues in general, icons, rosaries, etc. What crosses your mind when you see these things?

Interesting question. I am a former Protestant and have small story about this.

As a child I was taught both verbally and non-verbally (in my church) that any and all of those things were awful and forms of idolatry and Maryolatry. My parents never taught me any of it; I merely took it at face value from my pastors, youth pastors, etc. I believed and felt as they did - disgusted and very judgmental of Catholics in part because of their focus on statues, icons, rosaries… As I got older, my family and I started to become confused about this.

Long story short, after a visit to the Vatican 4 years ago and much searching we now recognize that when done with the correct understanding and openness of heart that those things do not have anything to do with idolatry. Another thing that influenced me was the fact that I am a history/art history major in college. I do not worship the paintings, art, sculptures that I study and observe. I recognize them for their ability to convey a feeling or idea. That is no more than what the statues and icons do. They point us to God, his everlasting love and gives me a very powerful sense of reverence.

Blessings,
JacquelineGrace :curtsey:

 

[JoshuaNY]

I am quite comfortable with them. I think they help us think more deeply about our faith and be one with God. My Lutheran Church has many beautiful wood carvings and stained glass depicting different scenes in the Bible and Holy people.

 

[Greg27]

I don’t have an issue with them. I am happy to leave Catholics to practice their faith (including devotions) as they see fit. I am not a Catholic myself, so what right do I have to criticise them?

 

[Auriel]

I’ve been to quite a few catholic services and funerals. Some were beautiful.

I never freaked on Mary statues as I think some fundamentalists have gone too far in their wish to avoid the appearance of what they see as “Mary Worship.”

A catholic friend of mine once said, “The church is full of the worst sinners and the best of saints”. I try to remember that when looking at organized religion.

 

[Doxiemom]

I see the statues and icons as objects of art and beauty…but not worthy of any veneration on my part. While I may not “revere” these objects in the same way my Catholic or Episcopalian friends do…I do not “disparage” them either…they must “work out their own salvation…” as they are led to do so.

I am not uncomfortable when I have attended a mass or benediction with Catholic friends…I “translate” the experience into “Quaker thought” and seek to find the things in common that I do share.

When the host is elevated during mass I acknowledge the Real Presence that has been present throughout the “meeting for worship” as the people gathered and began to “center down”…one Catholic practice…and I’ve seen this in Episcopal meetings for worship as well…when a worshipper enters the “meeting room” they genuflect before sitting and usually kneel to pray…Friends don’t genuflect…but as soon as we are seated…we begin to “center down” and prepare for worship.

The same experience of worship I find in Meeting I equate with Catholic worship or Episcopalian worship or Methodist worship or RLDS worship…“where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.”

I simply believe the “trappings” and “dressings” are unnecessary but if they assist those gathered for worship to have a deeper experience with the Presence, I’m comfortable enough as long as I am not required to participate or affrim it’s efficacy toward “salvation”…rite and rituals…“sacramentals” and images that assist with bringing one into Communion with the Presence are “tools” and in themselves have no “grace” or “power” to work toward my “salvation”…but if they assist others…I’m comfortable.

May i say that was just wonderful to read. God Bless you, friend

 

[catholic111]

I Feel wonderful!!! Today i went in to a Catholic Church to get some Holy water for my grandmother and i told them to get me some and some other sacramentals. When i stepped foot in the church i became weak and felt like God was right there beside me.(which he was) I had always wondered about the Catholic Church but today was wonderful, I know that the church is the only real church!!! Praise God!!!

 

[Dave_Noonan]

If any Protestants have ever been to a lecture by a Catholic priest, or to an event at a Catholic Church, how do you feel when you see Marian statues, statues in general, icons, rosaries, etc. What crosses your mind when you see these things?

They don’t bother me. If I think they are beautiful and tasteful, I probably admire them.

 

[Stalwart]

Anglicans have statues and imagery as well, there’s nothing wrong with it. I do feel it’s a little silly (tbh) when people take a knee and receive the Eucharist on the tongue, sorry to all the traditionalists here.

 

[familyof4]

Anglicans have statues and imagery as well, there’s nothing wrong with it. I do feel it’s a little silly (tbh) when people take a knee and receive the Eucharist on the tongue, sorry to all the traditionalists here.

That would probably lie at the heart of one of the differences between Catholics who believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and other Christian groups who don’t. After all, if you really thought Christ was there, would you go to your knees in respect? The Eucharist is a sacrament, not a sacramental (sorry if it seems like a nit-pick, but it is a huge divide).

 

[Arizona_Mike]

I spent some time in Boston this summer, and was amazed at how many African-American teenagers I saw wearing rosaries as necklaces. I know it’s a fashion trend, but it just seems odd. I’m guessing many of those kids were raised as Baptists, as most Catholics do not wear a rosary as jewelry.

Waiting in line for a museum, I asked one of the kids in line behind me if he was Catholic and he looked a little startled and said no and asked why I asked. I told him rosaries are usually used by Catholics, He had no idea what a rosary was, was unfamiliar with the term, and when I explained it to him, he seemed honestly surprised and asked how it worked. He said he just thought it was a “cross” and got it from his friend. Maybe I should have taught him to say the “Hail Mary” to see where it led us.

 

[Swiss_Guy]

I like sacramentals. But I don’t count as I’m a future Catholic

 

[crazzeto]

I Feel wonderful!!! Today i went in to a Catholic Church to get some Holy water for my grandmother and i told them to get me some and some other sacramentals. When i stepped foot in the church i became weak and felt like God was right there beside me.(which he was) I had always wondered about the Catholic Church but today was wonderful, I know that the church is the only real church!!! Praise God!!!

Stop being a closet catholic then =)

 

[Godith]

If any Protestants have ever been to a lecture by a Catholic priest, or to an event at a Catholic Church, how do you feel when you see Marian statues, statues in general, icons, rosaries, etc. What crosses your mind when you see these things?

This is an interesting question. I grew up in the sort of church where everything is very plain. We had a cross on the wall, and another on an embroidery that hung from the pulpit, and that was it. So, I used to find Catholic statues and things a bit strange and foreign. In truth, I found it all a bit off-putting, because it was so foreign, and I didn’t understand the purpose of them. I also, I think, confused the honour given to Mary with worship, so I was a little uncomfortable with Marian statues. It wasn’t just a thing about Catholic churches, though, because many Anglican churches in the UK also feature statues and icons and such.

Now, I find them beautiful. I have done some reading, and learnt some things, and I understand a bit more what those things are all about. I belong to a church now where we are encouraged to respect the whole of Christian tradition, and to try to learn from it. I have also been on retreats and things where we’ve been encouraged to use sacramentals like holy water and candles, and I have found how helpful they can be in prayer. Visiting some ancient churches, you can see where iconoclasts destroyed statues and the shrines of saints around the time of the Reformation, and seeing those makes me feel a sense of sorrow and loss.

I do still have reservations about scapulars and holy medals. I know they are meant to remind a person of their faith, but it bothers me that they seem to be connected with promises that ‘if you wear this, you’ll go to Heaven’. As far as I’m concerned, the only way to Heaven is through Jesus. If wearing a scapular or medal reminds a person who they are in Christ, and encourages them to live a holier life, and avoid sin, that’s all to the good. But if they are trusting that object to save them, that’s not OK. Perhaps I have misunderstood, and people are not using them like lucky charms or amulets, but it can look that way from the outside.

 

[crazzeto]

This is an interesting question. I grew up in the sort of church where everything is very plain. We had a cross on the wall, and another on an embroidery that hung from the pulpit, and that was it. So, I used to find Catholic statues and things a bit strange and foreign. In truth, I found it all a bit off-putting, because it was so foreign, and I didn’t understand the purpose of them. I also, I think, confused the honour given to Mary with worship, so I was a little uncomfortable with Marian statues. It wasn’t just a thing about Catholic churches, though, because many Anglican churches in the UK also feature statues and icons and such.

Now, I find them beautiful. I have done some reading, and learnt some things, and I understand a bit more what those things are all about. I belong to a church now where we are encouraged to respect the whole of Christian tradition, and to try to learn from it. I have also been on retreats and things where we’ve been encouraged to use sacramentals like holy water and candles, and I have found how helpful they can be in prayer. Visiting some ancient churches, you can see where iconoclasts destroyed statues and the shrines of saints around the time of the Reformation, and seeing those makes me feel a sense of sorrow and loss.

I do still have reservations about scapulars and holy medals. I know they are meant to remind a person of their faith, but it bothers me that they seem to be connected with promises that ‘if you wear this, you’ll go to Heaven’. As far as I’m concerned, the only way to Heaven is through Jesus. If wearing a scapular or medal reminds a person who they are in Christ, and encourages them to live a holier life, and avoid sin, that’s all to the good. But if they are trusting that object to save them, that’s not OK. Perhaps I have misunderstood, and people are not using them like lucky charms or amulets, but it can look that way from the outside.

Well the rosary, for instance has such a promise… Here’s the thing, if you pray the Rosary faithfully every day, you can be pretty sure heaven is where you ultimatly will be. Praying the rosary faithfully is a faith experience more dramatic (in my estimation) than watching Passion of the Christ. Particularly parying the sorrowful mysteries.