Isn't it idolatry? First commandment fobids us to have other gods, and worshipping saints is like treating them like gods. Am I right?
2007-02-26 20:31:32 · 16 answers · asked by Victor M 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Catechism states that we do not worship saints. But in reality, many Catholics do. Catholic doctrine is against this kind of homage because God alone should be adored. We look at the saints as intercessors, not super-beings in exchange of God.
2007-02-27 18:54:03 · answer #1 · answered by Buddyhunk 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a non-Catholic, I would say that you are right. But I think they would say they're not actually worshipping them, although there's no doubt that people pray to their 'favourites', and if you go to some Catholic shrines it certainly looks like worship. Who has the right to say who is a saint anyway, and who isn't? Some man? I've never understood this either.
To an outsider, Catholic teachings sometimes feel alien. In the past the Priests had a lot to gain by making sure the people needed them. Now we are literate, and can find things out for ourselves. We can all ask God (through Jesus) for forgiveness of sins etc. The Catholic saint-thing seems like a distortion.
2007-02-26 20:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In common speech "worship" means the adoration given to God alone. In this sense Catholics don't worship Mary or any of the other saints. In fact, the Catholic Church forbids any adoration to be given to any one or any thing but God. But in an older use of the term "worship" could cover not just the adoration of God but also the honor given to anyone deserving of honor.
May God bless you
2007-02-26 20:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 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 living here on earth to pray for you. Or, you may also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Andrew, or your deceased grandmother living in heaven to pray for you.
Prayer to saints in heaven is simple communication, not worship.
With love in Christ.
2007-02-27 16:44:56 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deu 5:6 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of slavery in Egypt.
Deu 5:7 "Never have any other gods.
Deu 5:8 Never make your own carved idols or statues that represent any creature in the sky, on the earth, or in the water.
Deu 5:9 Never worship them or serve them, because I, the LORD your God, am a God who does not tolerate rivals. I punish children for their parents' sins to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.
Jesus is the only one that can intercede on our behalf.
John 14:6 Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.
God Bless You!!!
2007-02-26 20:40:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You know, I think Christianity is a load of crap. Its never been a secret on here from me. But increasingly I find myself actually defending the Catholic faith (blech) against Protestant propaganda. Its starting to disturb me (and possibly some others).
Catholics DO NOT worship their Saints. They ask them for their help. Kind of like gathering together all your coworkers to ask the boss for a major change in the office building.
2007-02-26 21:13:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a popular thing, probably a tradition dating from the time when there were dozens of various gods to worship.
The saint thing is a clever marketing device invented during the forth century AD .
2007-02-26 20:39:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We don't worship saints. Nowhere will you find Catholic clergy directing their parishioners to worship saints. We do venerate saints (in other words, we honor them), but veneration and worship are very different things.
2007-02-26 20:39:03 · answer #8 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics do not worship the saints. Catholics worship God alone. We venerate Mary as the mother of God and the saints. We do not worship them. The veneration due to Mary is called "hyperdulia". The veneration due to the saints is called "dulia". The worship due to God is called "adoration" or "latria". This adoration is due to God alone. We worship and adore only God. We genuflect to the holy Eucharist. This is adoration. We don't adore the saints. To adore them is idolatrous. We are not idolatrous. We venerate them because they deserve honor as holy people but we don't worship them. Worship is due to God alone. We venerate Mary as the mother of God because our mothers deserve to be honored. But we don't worship her, this is not allowed in the Catholic Church. Worship and adoration is due to God alone. I agree with Susan J.
2007-02-26 23:47:51 · answer #9 · answered by hope 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholics don't believe they are worshipping their saints. they believe that the saints are special people who can intercede on their behalf, in heaven.... a bit like having a lobbyist in Parliament.
2007-02-26 20:39:15 · answer #10 · answered by Vinni and beer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋