I have heard Catholics say that they pray to saints. Why pray to a saint if believing in the Trinity? Does God need help?
2007-02-09 05:55:55 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Depends what you mean by definition of saint. There is the biblical definition of saint which Paul uses quite regularly in his epistles.
In Philippians 4:21-22, he states, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household."
By this definition alone, we can see that Paul describes a saint as a follower of Jesus Christ. There is nothing specific that has to be done in order to become a saint except to follow Christ.
Now, having been raised Catholic, we were told to pray for the saints who would intercede with God on our behalf. The entire problem with this though is the only intercessor we have to God is Christ. From the Catholic perspective, sainthood requires miracles and a life of works. Only then, do MEN decide if someone should become a saint.
This is extrabiblical doctrine that has absolutely no justifiable background. I love my Catholic brothers and sisters, but I would ask on who's instruction do you pray to the saints? Jesus never prayed to anyone but God. There is nothing in the bible that tells us to pray to anyone but God. So, in support of the question, why pray to anyone but God? (Or Christ who is recognized as God.)
2007-02-09 06:08:25 · answer #1 · answered by westdyk1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many criteria for sainthood. In protestant Christianity a person only needs to be born-again to be a saint. Catholics have their criteria, and so do other religions.
Does God need help? NO! God needs nothing. He doesn't need our love, our belief or our prayers.
My prayers are not for God, they are for myself. My Higher Power knows what I am going through and what I need without explanation. My prayers say that I am willing to be helped.
You ask why Catholics pray to saints. They are taught that the saints are our friends and will pray for us.
2007-02-09 06:29:15 · answer #2 · answered by teach_empathy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All believers of Jesus are saints in the eyes of God as the bible says. Jesus' blood shed at the cross has effectively cleanse sinners' sins. The believers become righteous and the righteous people are saints. Or read Laozi's Daodejing and learn it the hard way to become a saint.
2007-02-09 06:03:12 · answer #3 · answered by Ptuan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God doesn't need help. When the young rich ruler came to Jesus and said, "Good Master". Jesus replied, why do you call me good for the only one who is good is God the father. The only one we should pray and worship is God. You can never become a saint, but Jesus makes you something better his child.
2007-02-09 06:05:11 · answer #4 · answered by jesusfreak_sda 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only saints that are mentioned in the Bible are the born again believers.
2007-02-09 08:21:15 · answer #5 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible says that we are already Saints in the eyes of God.
2007-02-09 05:59:55 · answer #6 · answered by gtahvfaith 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To become a saint you must perform at least two miracles. The hard part is that at least one of them must occur after death.
2007-02-09 06:01:26 · answer #7 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't God the one who needs help,is the person who prays to them, that most of the time are in extreme need, and have faith in them.
2007-02-09 06:10:16 · answer #8 · answered by Peruv 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no they have kept the teachings of there fathers before them making the teaching of God to no effect,you should only pray to God in the name of Jesus
2007-02-09 06:00:42 · answer #9 · answered by daleswife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to the scriptures, once you are a Christian you are a saint. Have a great day.
Eds
2007-02-09 06:04:25 · answer #10 · answered by Eds 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋