Catholics & Catholicism

Question:

I am made sad when I come on these newsgroups and see the rampant attacks against Roman Catholic faith from those who do not understand, nor attempt to hear the truth from us. If someone were to walk up to you and tell you what they believe, you do not tell them "No, you believe this…" and use that "you believe this" as an argument against the validity of their faith.  This being said, here is my reflection on various issues of Catholic faith which are under attack here: Statues and icons: The present of statues and icons in our churches reflect the origin of our tradition.  We area deeply rooted in Meditteranean antiquity.  Though they are statues and though we may kneel before them (usually kneeling at votive candles), you are false in concluding that we are worshipping those statues or feel that those statues possess some sort of power.  I often touch my hand and kiss the statue, or touch the foot of the statue.  That is not worshipping the statue.  It is a symbolic action, giving honor to the saints that have come before me.  I would do the same to the Holy Father (touch and kiss his foot) which is a sincere sign of respect and reverence to a very venerable person. Just as I would turn to my fellow brothers and sisters on earth, I also turn to the saints and angels in heaven, asking them to pray for me and to join in my prayers and to care and concern for my soul and health. Mary as the Queen of Heaven: I have explained this as best as I could but you haven’t heard me nor have you made any effort to listen. Extension of faith beyond scripture: The bible isn’t the Word.  Jesus Christ is the Word. scripture is incomplete:  It says so itself. We are also told to uphold tradition.  As for saint "worship": The word "worship" has undergone a change in meaning in English.  It comes from old english: "weorthscipe" which is a condition of being worthy of honor, respect, or dignity.  To worship someone is to label them venerable, honorable, worthy, and excellent.  To worship is to show honor or respect to.  Though one may give honor to a saint, it doesn’t mean we worship them as gods. We do worship saints and angels and our venerable brothers and sisters, but not as we worship and love God. Here’s the deal: Catholic faith is one rooted deeply in symbolism.  Your narrow-minded and shallow faith cannot understand such symbolism because you only graze the surface when you witness us in prayer.  Here is an accurate portrait of the Catholic Church on Earth: God told us to pray unceasingly.  That is exactly what Cahtolics do!  When we recite these prayers that you call "evil chants and repetetive nonsense" we aren’t beginning to pray but joining in the prayer. There is not one second on earth that goes by where mass isn’t being said somewhere.  I would be comfortable in saying that on Sunday alone, mass starts in the Northeast at 8AM, then 12PM… by the time the 12PM is done, it rotates into the next timezone.  By the time we are done in the US, it starts up in other countries.  If there is a time when mass isn’t being said, the prayers are continued through rosary.  The Apostle’s or Nicene Creed are always being spoken.  The Lord’s Prayer is always being spoken, and somewhere, the mysteries of the rosary are being recited.  This is not ceasing.  When we begin to pray, we are joining in these prayers with the saints and angels in heaven.  Here is what the prayer sounds like: "Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth!  Lord God, heavenly King, have mercy on us.  Lord God, lamb of God, you take away the sins of hte world, have mercy on us!  Our Father in heaven, holy is your name, may your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil.  We believe in you, God, father almight, maker of heaven and earth.. and in Jesus Christ, your only son, our Lord.  He was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under puntius pilot, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He rose from the dead and is seated at Your right hand.  He will come again in Glory to judge the living and the dead and your kingdom will have no end." It continues: Lord Jesus, you take away the sins of the world. Lord have Mercy. Christ Jesus, you take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, make our hearts like yours." "Hallelujah! Hallelujah to you, Heavenly Father.  We adore you, we give you thanks, we praise You for your glory!" This is going on NON-STOP!  Millions upon millions of people are crying these prayers straight from their heart to the heavens, singing them to Our Heavenly Father, to Lord Jesus Christ, the lamb and Word of God!  Calling upon the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and rain the water of life upon us! You call this sin… you call this pagan… you call this beautiful and tranquil and solemn unceasing prayer evil and satanic… it is a pray straight from the hearts of devout Roman Catholics which shakes the foundations of the earth and causes people to tremble in fervent prayer! You think we are bored… though some are (those who aren’t devout), you don’t understand that even in our silence, our mind dwells on the light, love, and sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet you attempt to bring us down… you attempt to discourage us by your arguments which are based in fallacy.  Understand that I am telling you the truth, that my account on my Catholic faith and the faith of my devout friends is true and pure and good and one that is centered around God.  It is through the Catholic Church that we have come to join in this prayer to God and through the guidance of the Church that we have grown closer to Him and have become one with Him.  The Church doesn’t give salvation, the Church guides us to Christ who gives salvation, for the Church is the means to which the fullness of salvation is understood.  Jesus Christ is the head of the Roman Catholic Church.  We are a part of the body of the Church, and are one with Christ.  To be separate from the Chruch is to be separate from Christ. Many protestants belong to this Church through baptism by desire, without knowing it they are a part of the Church.  Those who try to bring it down are not.  They are of the depths.  Please understand that I am concerned for you, brothers and sisters, who attempt with all their time and effort to destroy the fabric of the Church established by Christ.  Your mission is futile… and it is based in stereotypes, prejudice, misunderstanding, and fallacy. I will pray for you all -Robert

Response:

That can be debated.  The RCC is losing ground in Europe and seems to only be doing well in backward, third world countries with ignorant and superstitious citizens. Are you saying that if someone reaches a different conclusion about Faith and God than you then they are ignorant and superstitious? That seems to be a rather narcissistic point of view. So why does the Church take that stance?

**  great lampoon, Alan.. —