2006-12-16 02:03:22 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because praying to the Pope didn't work.
2006-12-16 02:06:19 · answer #1 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 6⤋
Because (1) the Bible says we should ask other Christians to intercede for us. There are several examples of Paul asking others to pray for him. And (2) Jesus said that those who follow Him will never die; therefore we know that the saints in heaven are alive and well. Therefore there is no reason why we should not ask prayers from our friends, families, and the saints in heaven. This has always been the practice of the Christian Church, which is why the Apostles' Creed lists "the communion of saints" as a core Christian belief. The "communion of saints" means the interaction among the saints on earth and the saints in heaven. Many Protestants pray this creed, and apparently don't even realize what this phrase means.
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and man (otherwise it wouldn't be in the Bible), but this has nothing to do with asking others to pray for us. Mediation and intercession are two entirely different things. If I ask you, or Mary, to pray for me, then you, or Mary, or whoever I ask to pray for me become an intercessor, not a Mediator.
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2006-12-16 11:16:30 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because Catholics know beyond a doubt, directly from those who personally knew and loved both Jesus and Mary, that Mary was and is everything the Catholic Church says she is.
In addition to her other honors and titles, Mary has always been the first, best, and most constant disciple of Jesus Christ, since before he was even born.
And since Jesus' flesh came from Mary, we also know from scripture, that God would not allow either his flesh OR her flesh to see the corruption of the grave.
Hence, Mary is presently alive in heaven, complete with a glorified, resurrection body, alongside her divine son, doing what she has always done ... assisting Jesus with his ongoing work of saving souls.
Finally, God treats Mary the same way he intends to reward all the faithful, someday.
And that's a very good thing.
For complete details on this matter, go here:
http://mariology.com/
2006-12-16 11:04:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catholics share the belief in the Communion of Saints with many other Christians, including the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Episcopal, and Methodist Churches.
The Communion of Saints is the belief where all saints are intimately related in the Body of Christ, a family. When you die and go to heaven, you do not leave this family.
Everyone in heaven or on their way to heaven are saints, you, me, my deceased grandmother, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mother Teresa.
As part of this family, you may ask your family and friends here on earth to pray for you. Or, you may also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Andrew, or your deceased grandmother in heaven to pray for you.
Prayer to saints in heaven is simple communication, not worship.
With love in Christ.
2006-12-17 01:25:12 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mother Mary is one of the Holiest of the Holy and she was born without Original sin. She is the Mother of our Savior and is the Mother of the church. She is a great woman who answered YES to God's call while we say yes to drugs and alcohol.
HA, I say to all those who think prayer is nonsense! Our religion is about having faith in ourselves and that is made possible by a woman who saw her Son DIE! Try seeing a loved one on a cross and you can't do anything but watch all the blood and pain and the nails struck onto his hands and feet. I can't say I know how she feels but I feel as if more and more people are rejecting a woman who loves us yet a majority doesn't care. I still care and I do hope you will actually listen when I say, "FAITH is what keeps us alive and these insults have no use to you and for us!"
2006-12-16 10:20:14 · answer #5 · answered by Princess Answers 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They see her as also being holy because she was the mother of Jesus. So they pray to Mary to get to Jesus and God like they use her as a messenger I guess you could say.
2006-12-16 10:08:31 · answer #6 · answered by emmy_babe13 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are called prayers of intersession. When we pray/speak to Mary it is to honor her and her gift from God. We know as she is favored by God she can "put in a good word" (as it were) for us with God. I often "speak" to others requesting they help by their prayers for me.
2006-12-16 10:22:35 · answer #7 · answered by June smiles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These Catholic Links explain it:
http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/marymenu.htm
http://www.catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html
http://www.salvationhistory.com/library/apologetics/mary.cfm
2006-12-16 10:09:04 · answer #8 · answered by Life 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
(1Timothy 2:4-5-6) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(1Ti 2:5) For there is one God, and = ONE MEDIATOR = between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(1Ti 2:6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
BECAUSE they take what the CC says = = INSTEAD OF WHAT GOD SAYS = = IN HIS WORD.....!
ONE MEDIATOR, means Only ONE, not Jesus and Mary!
Thanks, RR
2006-12-16 11:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the bible says she is our Blessed Mom, and I have never had a prayer to her (from the heart, in the name of her Son) go unanswered. Try it.
2006-12-16 10:16:56 · answer #10 · answered by Br. Dymphna S.F.O 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because they bypass Jesus Christ any chance they get ,Catholics are very sincere in what they believe but very deceived I wish they would read the Word of God instead of placing there faith in a man made religion that is in total conflict with scripture
2006-12-16 10:08:44 · answer #11 · answered by Terry S 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋