Although I do not accept a number of Catholic teachings and some of their traditions, I fully recognize that many Catholics are my brethren and we share the same Spirit. (the reason I don't say 'all' is simply because there are many so called Protestants and Catholics that are Church goers and religious, but have not entered into a relationship with G-d)
Having said that I am writing this thread out of grave concern of some things I saw in OBOB, which I would have immediately challenged in the past, but have come to realise that to do so in OBOB would not be appropriate.
I feel so strongly about what I read on there in the thread entitled 'Thinking about converting, any advice' by Mark Kennedy, that I feel the necessity to unburden myself here.
To some extent I have seen Catholic teaching on Mary as being a bit excessive and over the top...good that there is a focus on her and to give more acknowledgement on her role as mother of the L-rd, but not so good that she is given speculative titles and a degree of honour that goes beyond what is biblical or acceptable.
I was also aware that some Catholics went even further, although I have presumed they were a small minority, and that they would have been challenged by other Catholics who felt they went a step too far.
This is what I read in that thread. Post #11 by SCIM. PM
Servus Cordis Immaculati Mariae
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Do you have a Kindle or a smartphone with a Kindle app? If so I strongly recommend reading this book, a collection of the writings of Blessed Columba Marmion.
The rosary is indeed optional. It's one of the best options out there, but it is optional. But I believe you must be careful not to let your words mislead others. The rosary is optional but Marian devotion is most certainly not. All of the great saints and spiritual writers have spoken consistently on this point. A devotion to Our Blessed Lady is most necessary to salvation.
For those wishing to convert and embrace the Catholic faith, they must be encouraged to develop their devotion to Our Lady, as all Catholics must. Because if you do not love Mary, you cannot love Jesus. If you have no love for Our Lady, and do not let her enter into your heart, then you are not a Catholic.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
SCIM.
....................................................................................
Extracts from post #15
As the great scholastic doctor Saint Bnonaventure said, no one "can enter into Heaven except through Mary, as entering through a gate."
. Every great spiritual author teaches us that we must have Mary in our hearts. Will this scare many Protestants? Very likely.
But I want those Protestants to be Catholic, not Protestants with a liturgical veneer wholly absent of Catholic spirituality.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
SCIM.
............................................
This is 100% idolatry, this is 'adding to the Gospel, this is teaching something that is not of G-d, I'd even go so far as to say this works in opposition to the truth and will bring a snare, a burden and condemnation to the person that embraces this sort of teaching.
IMO, this is an attempt to make Catholicism completely distinct from Protestantism through the elevation of Mary as Co-Redeemer, and the unabashed glorification of Mary and to rejoice in the difference because the stamp of true Catholicism is to be wholly devoted to Mary.
IMO this goes beyond any traditions of the Church and is an overt attempt to take Catholicism into another dimension...it is the promotion of a Marian agenda and is being fed to Catholics in much the same way that fundamental Islam is fed to the so-called moderate Moslems....it is extremly worrying.
I'd particularly be interested in hearing some Catholic friends response to this, and I am hoping that there are some Catholics that will make a distinction and not be afraid of voicing what they feel is right, rather than closing ranks and thinking this is just the Protestant reaction that was anticipated by SCIM.
I don't generally litter my posts with Scriptures and references as I hope most readers will know chapter and verse, but when it is necessary then I will certainly include relevant texts.
Having said that I am writing this thread out of grave concern of some things I saw in OBOB, which I would have immediately challenged in the past, but have come to realise that to do so in OBOB would not be appropriate.
I feel so strongly about what I read on there in the thread entitled 'Thinking about converting, any advice' by Mark Kennedy, that I feel the necessity to unburden myself here.
To some extent I have seen Catholic teaching on Mary as being a bit excessive and over the top...good that there is a focus on her and to give more acknowledgement on her role as mother of the L-rd, but not so good that she is given speculative titles and a degree of honour that goes beyond what is biblical or acceptable.
I was also aware that some Catholics went even further, although I have presumed they were a small minority, and that they would have been challenged by other Catholics who felt they went a step too far.
This is what I read in that thread. Post #11 by SCIM. PM
Servus Cordis Immaculati Mariae
I'm a dude!
22
Join Date: 25th May 2009
Location: Glasgow, UK
Posts: 607
Blessings: 117,043 [Bless]
My Mood
Reps: 80,431,260,873,467,184 (power: 80,431,260,873,473)
Do you have a Kindle or a smartphone with a Kindle app? If so I strongly recommend reading this book, a collection of the writings of Blessed Columba Marmion.
The rosary is indeed optional. It's one of the best options out there, but it is optional. But I believe you must be careful not to let your words mislead others. The rosary is optional but Marian devotion is most certainly not. All of the great saints and spiritual writers have spoken consistently on this point. A devotion to Our Blessed Lady is most necessary to salvation.
For those wishing to convert and embrace the Catholic faith, they must be encouraged to develop their devotion to Our Lady, as all Catholics must. Because if you do not love Mary, you cannot love Jesus. If you have no love for Our Lady, and do not let her enter into your heart, then you are not a Catholic.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
SCIM.
....................................................................................
Extracts from post #15
As the great scholastic doctor Saint Bnonaventure said, no one "can enter into Heaven except through Mary, as entering through a gate."
. Every great spiritual author teaches us that we must have Mary in our hearts. Will this scare many Protestants? Very likely.
But I want those Protestants to be Catholic, not Protestants with a liturgical veneer wholly absent of Catholic spirituality.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
SCIM.
............................................
This is 100% idolatry, this is 'adding to the Gospel, this is teaching something that is not of G-d, I'd even go so far as to say this works in opposition to the truth and will bring a snare, a burden and condemnation to the person that embraces this sort of teaching.
IMO, this is an attempt to make Catholicism completely distinct from Protestantism through the elevation of Mary as Co-Redeemer, and the unabashed glorification of Mary and to rejoice in the difference because the stamp of true Catholicism is to be wholly devoted to Mary.
IMO this goes beyond any traditions of the Church and is an overt attempt to take Catholicism into another dimension...it is the promotion of a Marian agenda and is being fed to Catholics in much the same way that fundamental Islam is fed to the so-called moderate Moslems....it is extremly worrying.
I'd particularly be interested in hearing some Catholic friends response to this, and I am hoping that there are some Catholics that will make a distinction and not be afraid of voicing what they feel is right, rather than closing ranks and thinking this is just the Protestant reaction that was anticipated by SCIM.
I don't generally litter my posts with Scriptures and references as I hope most readers will know chapter and verse, but when it is necessary then I will certainly include relevant texts.