of the person who is depicted in the statue... but protestants will jump to the conclusion that catholics are idolators.. but the people in Jesus Camp actually direct prayers to or for the cut-out of president bush and this isn't seen as wrong?
2007-02-27 16:05:46 · 7 answers · asked by Borinke 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm sorry I'm just curious.
2007-02-27 16:11:10 · update #1
You've brought up a common misconception that Protestants have against Catholics. It's actually nothing more than common sense to figure out that we don't pray to or worship the statue; we are praying to the person depicted and asking for help - intercession. It's no different than if you ask your mom or dad or best friend to pray for you. We are not worshiping the saint, only asking for help. All worship goes to God and God alone.
Here's a great site with more information: http://catholic.com/library/Do_Catholics_Worship_Statues.asp
God bless.
2007-03-01 01:29:29 · answer #1 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its still worship. Meditating on AND talking to that figure that supposedly is represented, is making them a God.
The miracles that the Apostles did, they did while they were alive, and demonstrated it while alive. It was NOT THEM that did it, but the Holy Spirit working through them. Once that shell (the body) is cast off (dead) they go to the Lord.., and do not perform miracles after death. GOD did the miracles.
Yet - the catholics attribute all those dead people as having miraculous power, God's power and therefore they really don't have to ask God, they think they can skirt around him and get Mary or Joseph or whoever else do do miracles for them.
It just doesn't work that way, there is not even remote suggestion in the Old or New Testaments that show that dead people are Gods and did miracles after death.
So yeah - praying to a dead person who can do no more for us than a Idol made of stone, is still making an idol of that dead person and ignoring God and his commands not to have idols.
2007-02-27 16:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by Victor ious 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to be Catholic, and nobody ever seemed to consider the statues any more than works of art in the Church I went to as a child. Same with the stained glass windows - they just look nice.
Unless they are praying that Georgie finally gets some right guidance its wrong.
2007-02-27 16:19:57 · answer #3 · answered by Smiley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a child, I was forced by the nuns to kiss the feet of a crucifix. It felt so much like idolatry, I felt a deep kernel of rage toward all of them after that. I've NEVER prayed to statues, although they have been nearby while I prayed.
2007-02-27 16:13:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cynicism will not help. You are correct but you are not being like Jesus.
2007-02-27 16:09:00 · answer #5 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why meditate on anyone else but God?
2007-02-27 16:18:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a golden-calf religion.
2007-02-27 16:08:27 · answer #7 · answered by Loathe thy neighbor. 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋