Catholics, help me understand your religion.

Originally posted by lord xyz
I never said it's offended me, it's just those questions are basically saying, "Are catholics like they are stereotyped?" that's what I have a problem with, yes I'm very anti-catholic, but that doesn't mean I can't defend them when they are being stereotyped.

It was an iggnorant post but at the same time as this is a forum for discussion so it gives Catholics plenty of time to respond. I'm pretty sure they can defend themselves without having a rightious person who dislikes their religion doing it for them and why are you "Anti-Catholic"?

Originally posted by long pig
I have a few questions:

#1. Do you believe that the Pope is infallible? In your opinion, can he do "Wrong" after being elected? Do you believe he was elected by god?

He's infallible in matters of faith, morals, and important religious doctrine. If the pope said 2+2=45, obviously he'd be wrong. He was elected by a conference of cardinals who are led and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

#2.Do you believe the Pope is somehow more connected to god more so than you and thusly makes him holier than yourself?

I don't know the exact church-y answer to this one, but I think everyone has the ability to be as close to God as the Pope is. If I tried, I could be as holy as the Pope.

#3. Why do you pray to Mary? It seems wrong since praying to anything but the lord is forbidden in the OT.

We don't exactly pray to her. We ask her to intercede our prayers to God. We certainly do not worship Mary or any other saints.

#4. Do you believe a priest, pope or a nun has any control over whether you go to hell or heaven? Do you believe that the Pope can pray you ou of hell if he wishes? If so, are you scared of him?

No. Absolutely not. Priests, nuns, and the pope are all humans. They have as much power as I do to wish anyone into hell. Only God can decided where you do when you die.

#5. Do you believe in seeing Mary in toast or on a wall and other stuff of that nature?

I think people who sell Mary toast on eBay are selling hoaxes. I do believe that you can have visions of Mary and Jesus and like talk to them and stuff.

No. Absolutely not. Priests, nuns, and the pope are all humans. They have as much power as I do to wish anyone into hell. Only God can decided where you do when you die.

So does the Catholic Church still do indulgence-type stuff? Because they certainly used to think they had power in this area.

#2. The Pope can define the laws of God so that they can be made understandable doctrine, but other than that an infallibility on religious matters, the Pope is still human. He can still sin, and he actually goes to confession once a day.

Originally posted by Gregory
So does the Catholic Church still do indulgence-type stuff? Because they certainly used to think they had power in this area.

Indulgences DO still exist, but they are not the "Instant pass to Heaven" freebies that people commonly think they are. Generally, certain prayers or acts gain you a plenary indulgence, which compensates for a certain amount of "time" spent in Purgatory. It does not remove sin, nor push you into Heaven.

Originally posted by long pig
I have a few questions:

#1. Do you believe that the Pope is infallible? In your opinion, can he do "Wrong" after being elected? Do you believe he was elected by god?

#2.Do you believe the Pope is somehow more connected to god more so than you and thusly makes him holier than yourself?

#3. Why do you pray to Mary? It seems wrong since praying to anything but the lord is forbidden in the OT.

#4. Do you believe a priest, pope or a nun has any control over whether you go to hell or heaven? Do you believe that the Pope can pray you ou of hell if he wishes? If so, are you scared of him?

#5. Do you believe in seeing Mary in toast or on a wall and other stuff of that nature?

I'm really interested in the Catholic religion, but I'd like to hear someone answer a few questions.

I have no doubt that a Catholic Church is somewhere near you, perhaps you should ask a preist these questions, they would be able to answer all these questions in a lot more detail than anyone who on this board. i think,

Originally posted by Grand_Moff_Gav
I have no doubt that a Catholic Church is somewhere near you, perhaps you should ask a preist these questions, they would be able to answer all these questions in a lot more detail than anyone who on this board. i think,

Indeed, an internet forum is probably an unwise place to ask about ANY religion, because any questions are going to get blammed by those who deride the religion, or answered ineptly by people who don't fully understand the religion they profess to believe. If you can't find a good Catholic Priest (or even if you can) I'd suggest going to a library to find "Why do Catholics do That?" a book that answers the five questions you've asked so far, and will probably answer any others you have.

Originally posted by Gregory
So does the Catholic Church still do indulgence-type stuff? Because they certainly used to think they had power in this area.

They don't exactly do indulgences anymore, but when they did they used the New Testament verse, "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven", when Jesus tells Peter he's to be Pope and all, to explain why they could.
In the sacrament of Confession, the preist will absolve you of your sins, and then he'll give you a penance to do, which is usually to go say a couple prayers, and that is what would be considered your "indulgent act" or whatever, but you don't get an actual indulgence sheet of paper or anything.

Originally posted by long pig
I have a few questions:

#1. Do you believe that the Pope is infallible? In your opinion, can he do "Wrong" after being elected? Do you believe he was elected by god?

#2.Do you believe the Pope is somehow more connected to god more so than you and thusly makes him holier than yourself?

#3. Why do you pray to Mary? It seems wrong since praying to anything but the lord is forbidden in the OT.

#4. Do you believe a priest, pope or a nun has any control over whether you go to hell or heaven? Do you believe that the Pope can pray you ou of hell if he wishes? If so, are you scared of him?

#5. Do you believe in seeing Mary in toast or on a wall and other stuff of that nature?

I'm really interested in the Catholic religion, but I'd like to hear someone answer a few questions.

I'm one (Catholic), and I'm not sure I fully understand it at times! 😑

Soooooooo you're pagan huh?? 📖

Originally posted by §P0oONY
It was an iggnorant post but at the same time as this is a forum for discussion so it gives Catholics plenty of time to respond. I'm pretty sure they can defend themselves without having a rightious person who dislikes their religion doing it for them and why are you "Anti-Catholic"?