Date:   7/9/2004 9:00:57 AM ( 21 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=633337

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I don't mind your questions at all. There are a lot of misconceptions out there.

I'm not sure what other documents you are referring to. Perhaps some other books in the bible. The St. James version is a little different than the King James. I have never nitpicked over that, so I probably not the person to ask. I do know that Catholics base some of their beliefs on oral tradition as well as written.

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image" Many theologians and scripture scholars believe that the original commandment consisted only of the opening nine-word phrase. The rest (your Exodus quote) was added later to expand the number of prohibitions. The Amish and some other conservative and Old Order Mennonites continue to prohibit the taking of photographs, because they view them as a form of graven image. So as far as having a picture of Mary, or saint displayed in one's home or church (I don't but many old fashioned Catholics do) is not a sign of worshipping them, but just as you would display pictures of your family and loved ones, people add Mary and others to the "list of their loved ones." In the bible at the foot of the cross, Jesus said "behold thy mother" to John. That was meant for all of us. So Mary is "mother" rather than any kind of god to be worshipped. Honored as the Mother of Jesus, but certainly not worshipped.

And I don't know anyone who has a picture of the pope in their homes. In church rectories probably or convents, just as you would see the picture of the CEO of a corporation at a their headquarters. Or a picture of the presidents in various places in Washington. Again, the picture is certainly not a graven image of someone they pray to as a god!!

And as far as the saints being held in greater esteem than men, I feel that they're are Saints with a capital S and the rest of us, saints with a small "s". We are equal in God's eyes.

Prayers to Mary are intercessory. Just as you would ask your friend to pray for you about something, we can also go to Mary if we like, to pray for something for us. We need not do this, but if we want to storm heaven with prayers, asking everyone we know to pray for an intention, why not add Mary to the list. Bottom line.....Jesus is enough.....but when most of us are in crisis, we ask for prayers from others.

Bowing and kissing??? do you mean pictures or statues. I never see that.....you may have seen some very pious little old lady do that out of emotional love and piety, but I never see anyone do that. As far as kissing the Pope's ring, it has become a custom of respect that has been passed down. I don't agree with alot from this present Pope, but he does love the people, especially children, VERY MUCH and the people love him. They want to show him some sign of that love.

For the Vatican II Catholic, the Pope is not the sole authority on the interpretation of the scriptures. We have a Pope, because Jesus says "on this rock (Peter) I will build my church"..... There have been bad popes throughout history....the church acknowledges that very openly. The church is the People of God (the body of Christ) but the sturcture is an institution. All institutions have some form of governing body.

I know that you did not ask your questions in the spirit of ridicule. Dialogue helps us all understand one another.

Blessings and peace........
 

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