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Critics of Catholicism/Why pray to Mary?
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Question
I was just wondering how praying to Mary ever came about?
Jesus taught us to pray to our heavenly father. Not Mary or any others for that matter.
Hi Chad.
"Praying to" Mary or any others in heaven is not the same thing as praying to God. Prayer is communication.
Communication to Mary and the Saints should be done asking them to pray for us - such as is clearly stated in the Hail Mary: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray For Us..."
Here is an article I believe you'll find helpful:
1. http://catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp
Helpful, too, is recognizing that Christ did not clearly teach us everything one, two, three. Some of it (such as the Trinity) has been "developed". We see the early Christians discussing many things at length as to "what does this mean?" or "what does that mean?".
With this in mind, see some of what the early Christians said about the intercession of the Saints:
http://catholic.com/library/Intercession_of_the_Saints.asp
Of course entire volumes have been written on the subject you ask about, so a complete answer cannot be given here...but I do hope the above at least helps some.
Rick.
www.catholictruths.com
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Answers by Expert:
Rick Jackson
Expertise
I can help clarify fact vs. fiction regarding the teachings of the Catholic Faith. I believe that Catholicism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith and that this can be shown with Scripture, reason and history.
I am an ecumenical apologist. I'm not interested in telling non-Catholics why they are wrong, but am happy to explain and confirm what we believe and why we; from Scripture, reason and history.
There are some issues where I will have to politely agree to disagree with my non-Catholic brother in Christ, however there is so much that we share in common, I'd prefer to clarify those first. :)
Experience
Experience in the area
As a former Protestant (Church of the Nazarene) I came to the faith by recognizing, after lengthy study, that Catholocism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith.
Very interested in "ecumenical apologetics", and have started a website pursuing it: www.catholictruths.com
Organizations
Active member/supporter and webservant:
Biblical Archaeology Society | Diocese of Columbus Catholic Record Society | St. Gabriel Radio | Catholic Truths
Active member and/or supporter:
Catholic Answers | EWTN | Dead Theologians Society
Publications
Catholic Truths
Education/Credentials
Some College. Received religious instruction by the Dominicans. Have attended several "seminars" (or viewed via DVD) by Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid and other apologists.
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