why do Catholics have prayers based on Saints instead of praying to God?
2006-11-08 06:18:03 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good question!
That's one reason I'm not catholic.
They will dance around the question with terms like 'prayer aids'.
They'll call it anything except idolatry.
2006-11-08 06:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Stand back, I'm a Catholic - I'll deal with this.
I have to say, I think it's just one of those contradictory papal things that Catholics love so much (like Confession).
You see, the Pope officially canonises someone and that gives Catholics the right to pray to them, make statues of them and ask them to help them find their car keys.
Praying to Britney Spears is not the same thing.
During the Renaissance all the people who thought that was a pretty silly idea (and were sick of getting ripped off by corrupt priests who took all their money to decorate the churches with gold leaf and statues and other whatnots) formed their own religions in protest. These are the Protest(ants).
Then there was the Inquistion which was very nasty for all concerned.
Then there was the Reformation when people started going round all the Catholic churches and smashing up the expensive whatnots.
And people have argued over who is right ever since. People with whatnots arguing with people what got no whatnots.
You see, there's always been a bit of a hoo-ha over that particular issue.
So if you *are* a Catholic I suggest you just do what the rest of us do: accept it blindly and go about your day.
2006-11-08 14:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by shazzawazza 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics do not pray TO the saints, they pray WITH them. It's like asking friends or parents or your prayer group to pray for you. Our main focus is of course God and Jesus. Has always been so, always will be so. But what's wrong with a little extra support from those who have "been there, done that." They are also wonderful role models for everyone.
Why not take a few minutes and research your question. That way you wont get the wrong idea from these "faith bashers" and "holier then thou" people who claim to be Christians.
Christian means "Christ- like" and I don't see too many people like that around here.
2006-11-08 14:29:58 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats what I keep thinking! A common response I get is that they are not praying to the saints or Mary, but they are praying that the saints or Mary would pray for them. They are still praying .... God commands us not to make contact with the dead.
2006-11-08 14:27:08 · answer #4 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
And then you wonder why you get cut and paste answers! Why ask the same question over and over again? Are you STUPID???
Catholic prayer is merely communication. Like if I were to ask you tto pray for me. Am I worshipping you by asking this? Of COURSE not!
2006-11-08 14:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GOD is beyond form. So anything that has a conditional form is of the world.
Prayers based on Saints are for inspiration to be able to live a good life like them. It reinforces the morals that are needed to live a good life.
2006-11-08 14:25:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why indeed. Why must christians pray in the name of Jesus (which by the way does not exist anywhere in hebrew) to get to God? Why must children stand in school and say the pledge (which is paying adoration to an inanimate object plus using the word God) ? Why? People are dumb thats why.
2006-11-08 14:27:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good question. It was a decision and practice, surely based on a compromise with paganistic practice. Personally, I do not think it wise. We are all priests. The curtain has been torn, no man is seperated from God and can communicate directly on his own. Catholics have sculptures and gold icons, orthodox have painted icon...this is just generalizing...but, we have TV, internet, books, movies, sleep, food, friendships, almost anything that can be elevated to a place above God...become an icon...
2006-11-08 14:23:58 · answer #8 · answered by TCFKAYM 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The same reason why Christians or anyone of any faith have pictures/photos/momentos of dead friends and relatives and sometimes even talk to them in their heart and mind, like a prayers of sorts. To the Catholics, Saints and such are very very close friends... or like a bigger brother or sister who helps us persuade dad or mom when we have been naughty and want a lighter sentence :)
It doesn't mean the people are WORSHIPPING their deceased friend or loved ones
2006-11-08 14:23:15 · answer #9 · answered by Sheena 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need to rephrase your question. Catholics do not pray to Saints, they ask the Saints to pray to God for them.
2006-11-08 14:22:14 · answer #10 · answered by me_worry? 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
When the catholics does this it is consider praying to idols. No one should pray to or love anything that is consider better than or more than God.
2006-11-08 14:23:20 · answer #11 · answered by JoJoBa 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋