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In general, I like Catholics. I don't agree with a lot of what they believe, and they know I'm a heathen, but they seem to like me too. They're pretty much the only Christians I've personally known who I can actually have conversations with about aspects of religion without being told "you just have to open your heart" or "you're not listening, God is talking."

So I went to a Catholic funeral recently. A lot of the ritual was kind of baffling to me, but right near the end "Father Frank" was waving the censor (?) over the coffin and he said "and the incense smoke rising symbolises our prayers going to God."

It was a small thing, but I really appreciated it, and such a human touch.

So my question is, how come I can't get the same kind of honesty and "human" interaction with the majority of followers of other "brands" of Christianity as I can from most Catholics?

2007-04-19 18:35:16 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

Okay, I didn't say the ritual moved me. The priest explaining about the smoke encapsulated for me what I mean when I say Catholics tend to be open and human. Sorry, I'm still not used to addressing literalists, I forget everything needs to be spelt out and repeated before it can be understood.

James, no I don't think we have spoken. Perhaps we should, I'm always happy to add to my list of people I can discuss things with.

Selar you sum up what exactly what I'm talking about in a nutshell. Do you actually know what "symbolises" means?

2007-04-19 19:00:17 · update #1

No Allan I'm not offended - I don't offend easily as a rule! - but can you see how it can be a little frustrating when the answer to every question is "Jesus"? I appreciate that's what you believe, but to someone who doesn't believe that, and actually wants to understand what is behind your belief, it's like smacking your head against a wall.

2007-04-19 19:05:21 · update #2

No Babs, I'm sure they're not, but until I find some icky ones I'll give them, as a group, the benefit of the doubt!

2007-04-20 01:25:11 · update #3

13 answers

It seems that so many of our fellow corespondents fail to breath before typing. This state of breathlessness appears in their answers. It leaves me gasping for air a little.

I have been to a score of different church services in my adult life. Only one spoke to me. It was at my father's Presbyterian church. Not once was bleeding Jesus or the collection plate mentioned. There was no call to come forward and except god into me heart.

The sermon was about Moses and his human weaknesses. He used this as an example of how others might struggles to live by the commands of God. It was a gentle and persuasive argument, I was moved.

If I were a believer, I would want to go to a Church like that.

2007-04-20 02:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 1 0

Not sure I exactly see a question here but I will comment. I was raised Catholic but did not attend chuch for years. I returned to church when I started to become serious with my (now) wife who is a strict Catholic.

When I was younger I was turned off by the seemingly sensless rituals and traditions. Maybe as a get older I like the traditions. Maybe as I learn more about the church I now understand the reasons behind (some, not all) of the rituals. Very often I am reminded of a quote attributed to Mark Twain, "The older I get the smarter my parents become." This is especially true now that I am a father.

I firmly believe that most priests are genuinely nice, want the best for and are willing to help their fellow man. The nasty priests really stand out but I guess there are nasty electricians and accountants also.

My brother-in-law comes from a mixed background. He is of the Jewish ethinc group but his parents did not push any particular religion. He is considers himself Protestant Baptist. Obviously he is not a Catholic-hating fundamentalist, after all he married my sister in a Catholic church and is raising his two children Catholic. We were talking one day and he said that most religions he has been exposed to (Jewish, Baptist and Catholic) are similar. Only the people on the extreme fringes have an "us versus them" mentality.

Not sure I have much of a point, I am kind of rambling. If you have questions on some of the specifics of the Mass I am willing to help if I can. E-mail me, I will try.

2007-04-20 04:26:42 · answer #2 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 1 0

It is a long story. Start with stages of psychosocial development. They are stuck in what is called the latency phase. Everything is seen in black and white and everyone must think the same and follow the same rules. If they every move past that phase they will have to evolve in their religious ideas too, and most are too afraid to do that so they stay stuck. You are basically talking to 10 year olds when you are talking to a born againer. RC's and Anglicans and some others have evolved past that stage.

2007-04-19 18:57:03 · answer #3 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 2 0

You only really find this phenomenon in North America. Christians on other continents are a bit more accepting. Remember the Americas were founded by the puritan Christian movement that was basically persecuted and kicked out of Europe for being to repressed and ruining everyone Else's good time. They were for lack of a better term uptight fundamentalist Christians. These views form the backbone of the moral majority that proliferates middle America up to this day.

2007-04-19 18:38:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3 1

Many Protestants, educated or not, use their theology as a shield against those around them, while there is a fair proportion of educated Catholics who use theirs as a coffee table; it's something to set the props on while you talk.

I will say this, however, and no offense to you my dear, but not all Catholics are so broadminded. Treasure your liberal Catholic friends where you find them.

Peace

2007-04-19 23:44:05 · answer #5 · answered by Babs 4 · 1 0

If other Christians who are not Catholics offended you, I apologize on their behalf. Probably the reason why they are vigorous is because they honestly believe that your soul, unless you acknowledge and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is at stake. This is also my message to you and I hope that you are not offended.

2007-04-19 18:58:43 · answer #6 · answered by Allan Martin 2 · 1 0

because incense rising IS NOT symbolizing prayers going to God- it is bull. And most other 'brands' realize that. Accepting Christ as your Savior is the ONLY way to get your prayers heard.
Yeah I know exactly what symbolizes means. However it is totally ludicrious for so called religious leaders to teach that incense smoke symbolizes prayers going to God. The bible only says like 1000x to the contrary. Prayers or speaking to God can never be symbolized that is usless false teaching, God will not recognize any one with out His Son Christ dwelling in their hearts. Why do you think so many do not believe and see? Because of all the crap they are taught by false teachers twisting God's true words. And yet so many follow the false teachers all the while carrying their bibles yet not realizing God told them ABOUT the false teachers who will turn them away. So sure the majority is right. I choose to take the road less traveled.

2007-04-19 18:43:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 4

Catholics are big on humility. I was raised Catholic and I was never appalled by Christianity until I met Christians from other denominations.

2007-04-19 18:41:41 · answer #8 · answered by Tira Me A Las Arañas 1 · 3 0

You described a ritual that moved you and asked why others are not honest and human with you? That doesn't follow.

2007-04-19 18:40:06 · answer #9 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 2 1

Orthodoxy.

2007-04-19 18:45:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

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