Temple garmens vs. the brown scapular

[christianley]

Some ex-Mormon is trying to tell me that Catholics are required to wear the brown scapular just like Mormons have to wear temple garments if they’ve been through the temple. I’ve never heard that. What exactly is the brown scapular and why would one wear it?

 

[Saint_Michael]

The Brown Scapular comes from the carmelite order and symbolizes their consecration to Mary. During the Middle Ages people wanted to be affiliated with these religious orders, the Scapular was given out by the Carmelites to lay people who formed confraternities. The Carmelites received the scapular from Mary in the form of an apparition.

Wearing the scapular is a sign of our devotion to Mary, and by completing the Little Office or if allowed by a priest substituting a Rosary we are placing ourselves in Mary’s protection.

This is from EWTN:

“In addition, the person has a special entrustment of themselves to Mary for their salvation. This, in fact, has been promised to those who faithfully wear the scapular: “Those who die wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” This must not be understood superstitiously or magically, but in light of Catholic teaching that perseverance in faith, hope and love are required for salvation. The scapular is a powerful reminder of this Christian obligation and of Mary’s promise to help those consecrated to her obtain the grace of final perseverance.”

Essentially it is a sign that you are relying on Mary as your mother to obtain for you from Jesus the grace needed to persevere to salvation.

As far as I know, Catholics are NOT required to undertake the investiture of the scapular. In fact a Catholic should NOT wear and become invested in the brown scapular unless they plan to live appropriately, and fulfill what is required.

Simply if you don’t want to wear the scapular, you don’t have to, it is a devotion for some. If you aren’t comfortable with it, then don’t wear it.

 

[puzzleannie]

the scapular (from the latin word for shoulder) was part of religious habits up until the last century when many orders modified or dropped their habits, It is basically a long piece of fabric with a hole for the head that is worn like a tunic over the top of the dress-like part of the habit. It is a symbol of one’s consecration to the order and obedience to its rule. the brown scapular of the Carmelites is their version of this.

The small brown scapulars, two squares of wool attached to two strings, which fits over the head and rests on the shoulders, was developed so that lay people could wear it and obtain the indulgences attached to it (that is to the consecration or blessing which accompanies it, and which it symbolizes). There is a one-time blessing by which one is “invested” in the brown scapular, so if you lose or wear out one you can get a new one, and you are already invested.

No Catholic is required to wear the scapular, unless he belong to a religious order, or a lay institute attached to a religious order, which requires it.

 

[MonicaC]

Some ex-Mormon is trying to tell me that Catholics are required to wear the brown scapular just like Mormons have to wear temple garments if they’ve been through the temple. I’ve never heard that. What exactly is the brown scapular and why would one wear it?

Here is a link

carmelnet.org/scapular/scapular.htm

It is not required for one to wear the scapular but I have told others it is my reminder of what my purpose here in earth is for.

God Bless,

Monica

 

[valient_Lucy]

Some ex-Mormon is trying to tell me that Catholics are required to wear the brown scapular just like Mormons have to wear temple garments if they’ve been through the temple. I’ve never heard that. What exactly is the brown scapular and why would one wear it?

As other people point out, a Brown Scapular is a small garment that is a sign of Devotion to Mary, as well as a link to the Carmelite Order. Catholics are not required to wear the Brown Scapular, or any scapular or medal for that matter. The garment, or medal, is not a form of “magical protection” from sin, but it serves as an outward reminder to the person of their devotion to Mary, and their love of God.

Others will likely give a lot more information on the Brown Scapular and the obligations that accompany it, but since I do not wear it, I am not very familiar with it.

 

[Sweeney]

Not to mention that Mormon temple garments, unlike brown scapulars, have Masonic symbols all over them.