Post by Cepha on Jun 23, 2009 11:04:08 GMT -5
How is an empty cross comparible to a statue of Mary or an icon?
Great question and thank you for that "door!"
The Christless cross represents only death!
Thieves died on the cross too!
But, only one Cross had Christ on it!
The Cross "of" Christ!
And, as far as Mary and Icons go, to the knowledgeable and spiritually mature Christian, they know what those symbols represent.
Mary and The Saints represent Christian obedience and examples for man to follow so that no man can ever say that it is impossible to live how God wants us to.
Again, it's the whole "picture of your loved ones" argument.
Catholics just happen to love Jesus' mother too along with Jesus!
We don't have Jesus on the cross because He is in Heaven.
So, why have the cross at all?
It's ok to be reminded of the cross alone?
But not of Christ?
What gets me is most of the images of Jesus in Catholic churchs are of Him as a baby. That's so you can promote Mary.
I guess you guys never had a Manger Scene for Christmas huh?
And promote Mary?
LOL!
We don't have to!
Scripture does that!
Here's you're problem...when you see this picture, you see Catholic love for Mary.
When Catholics see this picture, we see Marian love for Jesus!
Your Anti-Catholicism overrules your objectivity and you don't see what Catholics see in that picture.
It's like this thing with Mary's heart being pierced with a spear and how she grieved over the death of Jesus.
Luke 2:34-35
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,
Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;
and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)
that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Catholics never portray her after Christ was risen from the dead and how happy she would have been seeing Jesus.
That's a beautiful sentiment towards The Blessed Mother Alfie!
I have a big smile on my face!
Actually, think about it, who is prioritized after The Ressurection?
Nobody but Jesus right?
Mary did her work already.
She carried, bore, nursed and raised The Savior of mankind. Her jobs was done.
Mary is honored for what she did for Jesus.
After Jesus had accomplished what He came to do, her doing God's will was over with.
She silently dissappeared into the background and The Apostles work "began"!
It's good that you stated that Alfie...you gave me an opportunity that Marian Veneration is not based upon Mary, but upon her relationship to Jesus!
This is exactly why I started this forum.
On other forums (both Catholic and Protestant) this thread would've been shut down!
Thank you Alfie.
