Thanking statues after confession? Idol Worship?

[planter654]

Catholic statues are not carved out of stone. Problem solved.

(of course, your comment just illustrates that you don’t understand the reasoning behind the prohibition, hence you focus on the literal words of the text*)

*but not on the literal words which prohibit “any likeness of any thing in heaven, or on the earth, or in the water”. Those words have been studiously avoided in this thread by the iconoclasts.

Remember my friend not all reach the same spiritually levels at the same time! Compassion and love was needed in that answer my friend, leave the rest to God!! Leave the rest to God!

God Bless you!

 

[planter654]

Remember my friend not all reach the same spiritually levels at the same time! Compassion and love was needed in that answer my friend, leave the rest to God!! Leave the rest to God!

God Bless you!

 

[planter654]

Why venerate the cross? Is it not to venerate what it represent in Christianity? Isn’t it really to venerate what the cross represents?

The best way I know of to venerate what the cross represents is to humbly and joyfully carry your own cross.

Peace,

Beautiful words of wisdom thank you for sharing what you have received from God!

God Bless

 

[planter654]

So how do you, and/or the people around you, know you are not “worshiping” your relative’s gravestone when you place flowers before it?

This is what you said:

What if a gravestone is in the shape of an angel? I’ve seen many such gravestones at our local cemetery. Would placing flowers before the grave be “worshiping” the gravestone?

My friend each reaches his or her own spiritually level at different times. Trust in God for he loves us all dearly. Leave the rest in Gods hands!

God Bless

 

[wanner47]

My friend each reaches his or her own spiritually level at different times. Trust in God for he loves us all dearly. Leave the rest in Gods hands!

God Bless

That doesn’t answer my questions. If you want to share the above sentiments with me, by all means feel free to utilize the PM system, but please stick to the subject at hand within the thread.

So how do you, and/or the people around you, know you are not “worshiping” your relative’s gravestone when you place flowers before it?

What if a gravestone is in the shape of an angel? I’ve seen many such gravestones at our local cemetery. Would placing flowers before the grave be “worshiping” the gravestone?

Can you answer my questions, please?

 

[planter654]

That doesn’t answer my questions. If you want to share the above sentiments with me, by all means feel free to utilize the PM system, but please stick to the subject at hand within the thread.

It is sticking to the thread for idol worship, My personal answer for idol worship is that everyone reaches their own spiritual levels at different times. Leave the rest in God’s hands and trust in him.

God Bless

 

[wanner47]

wanner47;3456756:

That doesn’t answer my questions. If you want to share the above sentiments with me, by all means feel free to utilize the PM system, but please stick to the subject at hand within the thread.

It is sticking to the thread for idol worship, My personal answer for idol worship is that everyone reaches their own spiritual levels at different times. Leave the rest in God’s hands and trust in him.

God Bless

But that’s not what you said in this post:

Go spend a week in the church and watch. Candles are lite, flowers at the feet of them, we bless them hello. I saw many weddings where flowers were placed by the bride and groom after the sermon to a statue and they kneel before it? Hello what church are you going to?

The Catholic Church sells them on tv EWTN. They bless them. They are brought home and put in a place of honour within the home. St. Paul beware of idols! In Anticoh there was a statue of Diana that they worshipped and St. Paul told them to “stop this practice”! They could not and would not because it made them money! Hello what are we doing? What is the difference because we make one to look like a saint or our Dear Blessed Mother which we have never seen our Dear Mother or Jesus, nor God who is divine!

Do what I say but do not do what I do?

or this post:

Exactly spoken truth that is the Word of God! The hour has come, and is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: Is this not simple to under stand? and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth!
Is that hard to understand! Who dare create an molten image of a divine God and think that this is pleasing or acceptable when God created the heavens the earth all things!Who has seen God to do such an abomination, not even Moses or the Holy prophets or Jesus did such abominable thing, did they? Whorship God!

Or this post:

There is no getting around it any molten image! Period. Why place floweres to a block of stone painted, with black eyes for circles? Do not mock God! And God has given you common sense to know the difference. And if we had obeyed God’s commandments we would not be having this disscussion would we?

Why is thinking "I love you, Lord ok. WE are created in God’s image. Thinking is your mind, your thoughts and God says he even knows you thoughts! Whether good or bad, we will be judge by our thoughts.

Love the Lord your God with your whole mind, whole soul, whole heart and with all your strenght and yes even give him your very body.

Your previous posts seem to indicate that you (a) believe that idol worship is wrong (which it is), and (b) believe that Catholics engage in/condone idol worship (which we do not). Your previous posts do NOT indicate that you thinking everyone “is at their own level of spirituality” or other New Age BS.

I think you’re trying to avoid the subject because you know you’ve been proven wrong but refuse to acknowledge that. Perhaps you should pray about this matter during the Easter service you attend, and ask God to open your eyes.

Be that as it may, I would appreciate a DIRECT answer to my questions (no dodging with a vague “we’re all at our own spiritual level” comment):

So how do you, and/or the people around you, know you are not “worshiping” your relative’s gravestone when you place flowers before it?

What if a gravestone is in the shape of an angel? I’ve seen many such gravestones at our local cemetery. Would placing flowers before the grave be “worshiping” the gravestone?

 

[guanophore]

Do not worship or kneel or pray to a block of stone with painted eyes etc!

Persons of Apostolic faiths use images and art to draw the mind to heaven. Human beings are sensual creatures, and we apprehend the Divine through our senses as well as our spirits. Many with artistic talents also desire to do their utmost for His Highest, and do honor to God by the work of their hands. For this reason we have many statues and images that bring to mind for us His glory. Some of these are found in the Stations of the Cross, which are piously approached by many faithful at this time of the year.

People are not kneeling or praying to a block of stone, but before the God who made us.

 

[guanophore]

I have just returned from my church’s Good Friday Veneration of the Crosses. Last year, when I was almost finished with RCIA) I kissed the cross as everyone else did, but I was extremely uncomfortable. To me, I could not and cannot forget what was drilled into my head as a youngster - Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Then, after the service today, my priest pulled me aside to tell me he was extremely upset with me and how I approached the cross and that it was important to show love. I reminded him the Misselette says there are several ways to venerate the cross: genuflexion, kissing the cross, touching the cross, bowing before the cross. While most kissed it, I touched my fingers to my lips and then touched the cross. I felt very comfortable with this as anything more feels like idolatry to me.

I tried explaining this to Fr., but he simply said he’ll discuss it with me more another time. I’m very upset as to me the cross is just that; it’s a symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection, but it’s not him.

I could do it but it would be phony and I know God doesn’t want that. Is this really necessary to show my love for Christ and my veneration of the cross?

I am very sorry this happened to you. You showed proper veneration of the cross. Also, God cares much more about what is in your heart. You were right to follow the guidelines in the Missal.

I don’t think I did anything else!!! There were lots of people behind me, just as with communion, so I didn’t linger, but I watched others I didn’t bow as I do when receiving communion, but the cross is just a symbol! I even quoted to him the commandment, Thou shalt have no other gods before me" but he said it’s important to show love.

What’s funny is I almost stayed in my seat but then I read there were several ways to show veneration. I’m now even thinking I will skip the service all together in the future!

I’m very upset, particularly since I’ve only been a Catholic for a year. Despite that, I can feel myself growing in knowledge and faith all the time. He’s made me feel like I’m not faithful enough, but I just can’t get my mind around kissing a cross.

Let no man trouble you, but don’t skip the service on account of someone’s criticism. In this, you have been given the great gift of a cross to bear in yourself. We must bear with the failings of the weak, and carry one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. Instead, pray for him every day from this day until the next Good Friday, then pick up that cross again. No one can “make” another feel something without permission. God has answered your prayers for a pure walk with Him!

 

[planter654]

Planter,
just one more thing…I guess it is safe to say you are not Catholic. Even though it says you are in your profile. Kinda like that wolf in sheep clothing thing…so sad.

That statment rolls off your tongue my friend not my. Only God knows ones heart and soul! I choose not to judge for I will be judged. Jesus also did not come to judge and told us that in the gospels.But I thank you for you have brought good thoughts to my mind to ponder on! Your statement brought something to my thoughts and heart. Mother Teresa never judged any one, nor ever said to them " You are a Wolf in sheep clothing …so sad. No matter how they lived their own lives, she only saw Jesus in all. No matter what they practice as their faith, whether they were HIndiu, Protantest, Catholic, Muslims, etc etc. or how they lived their lives. God and only God was first, her obedience to him was her prayer!

Keep your conscience clear and your hands busy and you shall do well…ST.Paul

But Mother Teresa has taught me through ACTIONS OF HER LIFE she saw Jesus in everyone. Mother Teresa loved the Hindius, those who believed or did not believe. She also buried, and saw to it that they were laid to rest in what ever religion they had choosed to live by.

Mother Teresa simply did all that Jesus the son of God ask her to do. Take care of the widows, orphans, poor! She carried off the streets thousands, upon thousands of poor souls, our brothers and sisters who were covered in magits. She held their hands when dying, loving them deeply. Did not matter what life they choose or what they did good or evil. but served God in the most puriest sense. A spiritual level that I pray and can truly hope in trusting in God that I will reach. But first for me I have to know that I am truly dung on the ground. In Humility and humbleness I always pray God will keep me there. Oh! such joy of the Lord.

Pray for all let them know God truly loves them! Jeus did not suffer in vain and God will not be mocked.

May God"s Blessing and his grace giving freely to all be with you. Love

 

[planter654]

But that’s not what you said in this post:

or this post:

Or this post:

Your previous posts seem to indicate that you (a) believe that idol worship is wrong (which it is), and (b) believe that Catholics engage in/condone idol worship (which we do not). Your previous posts do NOT indicate that you thinking everyone “is at their own level of spirituality” or other New Age BS.

I think you’re trying to avoid the subject because you know you’ve been proven wrong but refuse to acknowledge that. Perhaps you should pray about this matter during the Easter service you attend, and ask God to open your eyes.

that as it may, I would appreciate a DIRECT answer to my questions (no dodging with a vague “we’re all at our own spiritual level” comment):

So how do you, and/or the people around you, know you are not “worshiping” your relative’s gravestone when you place flowers before it?

What if a gravestone is in the shape of an angel? I’ve seen many such gravestones at our local cemetery. Would placing flowers before the grave be “worshiping” the gravestone?

I do not choose to argue, but only gave my personal view which is my right and the topic is Worship of idols and what it means to me.I am not judging any church even our own, but have choosen to do other wise. I am not God! So I suggest, ask our Heavenly Father. God, he will answer you, but please be patienced for he is very, very patienced with us. Jesus says do not argue over his word for it is futil!

God Bless

 

[wanner47]

I do not choose to argue, but only gave my personal view which is my right and the topic is Worship of idols and what it means to me.I am not judging any church even our own, but have choosen to do other wise. I am not God! So I suggest, ask our Heavenly Father. God, he will answer you, but please be patienced for he is very, very patienced with us. Jesus says do not argue over his word for it is futil!

God Bless

I’m not trying to argue. I’m trying to discuss. That’s the entire purpose of this forum.

Are you ever going to answer my questions, or should I assume that you can’t (or won’t), because doing so would be to admit that your accusations against Catholics are false?

 

[guanophore]

I do not have a problem with the cross. I have a crucifix in my bedroom and in my car. I also carry a cross in my car and have several as necklaces. As I said in my original post, I did not want to kiss the cross. I don’t kiss my relatives’ photos.

I also have no problem sitting before and/or looking at statues of Mary or Christ. However, I would not kiss them either as they are only that - statues. They simply represent THEM.

There is a TON of difference in carrying mementos and kissing them. My problem was kissing the cross. In fact, I lightly kissed my fingers and touched them to the cross and my priest was upset with my ‘attitude.’

There is nothing wrong with your “attitude”. Pray for him.

 

[guanophore]

I do not choose to argue, but only gave my personal view which is my right and the topic is Worship of idols and what it means to me.I am not judging any church even our own, but have choosen to do other wise. I am not God! So I suggest, ask our Heavenly Father. God, he will answer you, but please be patienced for he is very, very patienced with us. Jesus says do not argue over his word for it is futil!

God Bless

Backpedal, full speed behind!

JW’s don’t celebrate Easter, do they? I thought they did not believe that Jesus is God, or that He rose from the dead? The HS is an “it” instead of a Him.

 

[planter654]

Do you really think people confuse the statue with Our Lord and Savior? Do you honestly think if you asked them, they would not know the difference between the statue and God?

If we would obey God do you think we would be having this debate? God knew what we were going to do before it came to be, don’t you think?

God Bless

 

[guanophore]

 I choose not to judge for I will be judged. Jesus also did not come to judge and told us that in the gospels.

Ah, but you DID. And that was clearly shown in your posts. And now that you are confronted with your deeds, you deny them!

But I thank you for you have brought good thoughts to my mind to ponder on! Your statement brought something to my thoughts and heart. Mother Teresa never judged any one, nor ever said to them " You are a Wolf in sheep clothing …so sad.

You don’t know that, since you were not around her 24/7. She did not allow slanderous accusations either. She did not allow such persons to remain in her community.

No matter how they lived their own lives, she only saw Jesus in all. No matter what they practice as their faith, whether they were HIndiu, Protantest, Catholic, Muslims, etc etc. or how they lived their lives. God and only God was first, her obedience to him was her prayer!

Yes, but of those who claimed to be members of her community she required the highest of standards. You are misrepresenting yourself here, and you appear to be trying to evangelize. you have already tipped your hand, and made it clear that you are not Catholic.

Keep your conscience clear and your hands busy and you shall do well…ST.Paul

Is your conscience so seared as with a hot iron that you can misrepresent your own faith in a public place with a clear conscience?

But Mother Teresa has taught…

Don’t try to change the subject, or hide behind someone who had no tolerance for deceit. It would be much more noble of you to admit your error.

 

[planter654]

Backpedal, full speed behind!

JW’s don’t celebrate Easter, do they? I thought they did not believe that Jesus is God, or that He rose from the dead? The HS is an “it” instead of a Him.

Your thoughts not mine. Do as you wish. Like Mother Teresa said. We are all called to become saints, Holy for our Father is Holy.

Little St. Teresa said:"To have such thoughts are we still not living in the sins of the flesh? To agrue, accuse others, our own self pride etc.

God Bless

 

[planter654]

Persons of Apostolic faiths use images and art to draw the mind to heaven. Human beings are sensual creatures, and we apprehend the Divine through our senses as well as our spirits. Many with artistic talents also desire to do their utmost for His Highest, and do honor to God by the work of their hands. For this reason we have many statues and images that bring to mind for us His glory. Some of these are found in the Stations of the Cross, which are piously approached by many faithful at this time of the year.

People are not kneeling or praying to a block of stone, but before the God who made us.

My friend do not speak for all of Apostolic faiths.

God Bless

 

[VociMike]

If we would obey God do you think we would be having this debate? God knew what we were going to do before it came to be, don’t you think?

God Bless

But that’s exactly it. In obeying the Church we are obeying God. If you would hear God, listen to the Church.

 

[planter654]

I am very sorry this happened to you. You showed proper veneration of the cross. Also, God cares much more about what is in your heart. You were right to follow the guidelines in the Missal.

Let no man trouble you, but don’t skip the service on account of someone’s criticism. In this, you have been given the great gift of a cross to bear in yourself. We must bear with the failings of the weak, and carry one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. Instead, pray for him every day from this day until the next Good Friday, then pick up that cross again. No one can “make” another feel something without permission. God has answered your prayers for a pure walk with Him!

You said: Until the next Good Friday you said then pick up that cross! No one can make another “feel something without permission” Nor… should anyone or mere mortal make you “feel guilty” in what you choose not to do! Trust in God…pray, pray, kneel in his present, look up and ask him, like Jeus did and taught us.

God Bless