What is a saint?

[PJM]

=souldiver;13504420]In Wikipedia, it says that in Catholism, saints are Christians who are in heaven currently, right?

I encountered a Protestant pastor, it’s not certain people but all of Christian, I think she means all Christian including ones in earth.

Is the pastor right?

NO! & "yes:

Same term different meaning and definitions.

Paul uses the term “saints”[SMALL “S”] to as a synonym for Brethren [here on earth]

While the Catholic Understanding accepts this definition as valid; it ADDS to it by proclaiming those who merited through careful research [not so much in the Early Church], supported by Miracles [God’s sing off on them]; as TRULY and actually known to be in Heaven, as Saints [Capitol "S’]

Does that answer your question?

God Bless you,
Patrick

 

[HelenRose]

In Wikipedia, it says that in Catholism, saints are Christians who are in heaven currently, right?

I encountered a Protestant pastor, it’s not certain people but all of Christian, I think she means all Christian including ones in earth.

Is the pastor right?

“Saint” is a word with several definitions.

The Catholic definition is: souls who are in Heaven now.

Protestants have different definitions: Some define saint simply as being a Christian.

People get into terrible arguments over the meaning of words. That is such a terrible waste of time.

 

[porthos11]

In Wikipedia, it says that in Catholism, saints are Christians who are in heaven currently, right?

I encountered a Protestant pastor, it’s not certain people but all of Christian, I think she means all Christian including ones in earth.

Is the pastor right?

Yes, in a broader sense.

“saints” is a Biblical term used to refer to the living faithful on earth.

 

[PJM]

=HelenRose;13510212]“Saint” is a word with several definitions.

The Catholic definition is: souls who are in Heaven now.

Protestants have different definitions: Some define saint simply as being a Christian.

People get into terrible arguments over the meaning of words. That is such a terrible waste of time.

My dear friend,

I truly appreciate your gentile spirit; but words have a purpose; God’s purpose for WORDS is to share His truth [always singular per defined issue]

“Truth is the condition of grace; it is the source of grace; it is the channel of grace; it is the divinely ordained requirement of grace.”
Father John A Hardon S.J.

Ought we not my friend to seek truth?

God Bless you!

Patrick

 

[Lily_Bernans]

Yes, in a broader sense.

“saints” is a Biblical term used to refer to the living faithful on earth.

I agree. It’s right in the Catechism. Although we usually think of a saint as being in heaven, “saints” does refer to the faithful on earth. I agree with you.

 

[Lily_Bernans]

My dear friend,

I truly appreciate your gentile spirit; but words have a purpose; God’s purpose for WORDS is to share His truth [always singular per defined issue]

“Truth is the condition of grace; it is the source of grace; it is the channel of grace; it is the divinely ordained requirement of grace.”
Father John A Hardon S.J.

Ought we not my friend to seek truth?

God Bless you!

Patrick

I believe we should always seek the truth, Patrick, even if we don’t like the answer. I love your quote from Fulton J. Sheen. I love reading his writings.

 

[ProVobis]

Paul uses the term “saints”[SMALL “S”] to as a synonym for Brethren [here on earth]

Except that Greek and Latin had no small “s”.

But on the topic, don’t we use “saint” where we actually mean “saintly” or “strive to be a saint”? Just a question.

 

[friardchips]

Except that Greek and Latin had no small “s”.

But on the topic, don’t we use “saint” where we actually mean “saintly” or “strive to be a saint”? Just a question.

Someone who is striving to be a saint, might well be a saint, but would be known as either saintly, or holy, until such time that they’ve been canonized (formally recognised as having been a saint when on earth), after they’ve died, and are safely in Heaven.

 

[PJM]

I believe we should always seek the truth, Patrick, even if we don’t like the answer. I love your quote from Fulton J. Sheen. I love reading his writings.

May God grant you unlimited grace and Blessings!

IN your search please keep in mind that TRUTH [in order to BE truth] must in an absolute sense; be singular per defined issue.

Patrick

 

[PJM]

Except that Greek and Latin had no small “s”.

But on the topic, don’t we use “saint” where we actually mean “saintly” or “strive to be a saint”? Just a question.

If I understand your question?

Yes saint and saintly are interchangeable terms. One cannot be one without the other:thumbsup:

 

[ProVobis]

Someone who is striving to be a saint, might well be a saint, but would be known as either saintly, or holy, until such time that they’ve been canonized (formally recognised as having been a saint when on earth), after they’ve died, and are safely in Heaven.

I’d be careful with this argument though because Sanctus is also used used to identify and address the Third Person of the Trinity. Methinks the entire meaning of “saint” in English has been corrupted big time. As well as “holy” for that matter.

 

[TheologyInfinit]

A saint is a person in Heaven.

 

[friardchips]

A saint is a person in Heaven.

Yes, true, and for many this happens after some time in Purgatory. But there are people who have been recognised as having lived exemplary holy lives on earth and this is the whole point of canonizations. They are special distinctions for having lived a particularly holy life. And the need for miracles to have been performed is also a criteria, and/or martyrdom ( I think). Many saints will be recognised as having lived with the gift of extra grace. And many would have died in the Odor of Sanctity. We are called called to remain open to life-changing graces.

 

[friardchips]

I’d be careful with this argument though because Sanctus is also used used to identify and address the Third Person of the Trinity. Methinks the entire meaning of “saint” in English has been corrupted big time. As well as “holy” for that matter.

The meaning of ‘holy’ is no doubt under attack in certain areas of life. You’re right. No better way to strengthen ourselves than to reflect on the joy and peace of the Holy Family this Christmas.

 

[Crusaderbear]

…just an ordinary man or woman who was victorious over extraordinary challenges.