I was raised Protestant (Lutheran - the Frozen Chosen). Often, I thought Catholicism was very superstitious in comparison - using St. Christopher's medal, holy water when traveling, a scapula (sp?) which is a necklace with a saint worn on the chest and back for spiritual protection. Most often, it is a Catholic that sees a very literal version of God in their Miracles - Jesus in a tortilla, Maria in a cloud or smudged in suet on a building, Joseph in a tree trunk.
Recently, I was teaching English, and using Bram Stoker's Dracula. There are a number of chrstian icons that I have to explain to the Buddhist and Islamic students - the silver cross that vampires can't bear to see, Lucy's tomb is blocked with holy bread, etc.
Do you see these kind of things as superstitions which have led to these kind of stories, or believe them to be true holy objects?
Does Mary manifest herself in a tortilla, or do people project these images onto the object, because they need a sign or physcial miracle to continue their faith?
Recently, I was teaching English, and using Bram Stoker's Dracula. There are a number of chrstian icons that I have to explain to the Buddhist and Islamic students - the silver cross that vampires can't bear to see, Lucy's tomb is blocked with holy bread, etc.
Do you see these kind of things as superstitions which have led to these kind of stories, or believe them to be true holy objects?
Does Mary manifest herself in a tortilla, or do people project these images onto the object, because they need a sign or physcial miracle to continue their faith?
