ebia
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- Jul 6, 2004
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Does the inability of Benedict XVI to individually hear and respond to the specific prayers of a potentially infinite number of Christians fracture the unity of the Body?I still think that denying asking saints for intercession fractures the unity of the Body.
I would have to say that the unity of the body has been fractured far more by things like some of the Marian excesses of the past far more than by those who acknowledge that they are praying with the saints but don't expect those saints to suddenly become semi-omnipotent.
I don't know that for sure, but I see no indication anywhere that that is the case. A theology where the resurrection promises and hopes become true at the resurrection makes more cohesive sense that assuming that some of them become true before then with no indicators to that effect.I also would like to know if you are using Scripture alone, what in the passage tells you that full knowledge comes only after the next resurrection.
Verse 10 makes it quite clear that Paul is talking about the resurrection hope compared to current reality. Indeed, Paul says next to nothing anywhere about the intermediate existance between death and resurrection; his focus is firmly on Jesus past resurrection and our future one, and the practicalities for us in the world between the two, rather than on the temporary state of those who die.To me, the "face to face" refers to the beatific vision that many souls experience now, not the new resurrection.
And there are many stories about miraculous healings in non-Christian traditions, and many stories about miracles attributed to saints and to God that are clearly outside of sound theological consideration, so I'm not inclined to accept that as evidence that the theology is right.If you want testimony, there are plenty of stories about miraculous healings and such attributed to particular saints implored for intercession.
If you want an explanation, I would be inclined to say that God honours prayers and requests for intercession said in faith even when misdirected.
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