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marie |
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July 13, 2007 at 10:42am |
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| do catholics really woship the virgin mary or is it just certain catholics? |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 10:50am |
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| Marie I sent you a message with the link. Enjoy. and for short: Nope, the don't worship Mary. Thanks for asking! |
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Whats up with the inquisition? jk
Sorry, I couldn't resist. |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 10:54am |
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| No problem Zack! that's a great question. I'll post it up soon. and feel free to ask any question! Thanks for asking! |
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| The more important question to ask Zach is which inquisition... |
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| As a side note, the current pope's former position was as the Grand Inquisitor of the Catholic Church.. |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 11:06am |
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| Dark, thanks for the input. but could we keep it just with questions? thanks. (sorry, if that sounds mean, I don't mean to be mean ha! its just that tone of voice doesn't carry over well on blogs ;) ) |
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| Ali.. you're super cute. We totally needed a fiesty mexican catholic here.. we are so set to go! :) |
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I can only ask questions? OK, what's this?
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| I do not know what that is but it is a beautiful artifact. OK what is it???? |
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Ali,
I left you a question in your previous blog, and I am not going to cut and paste it here ;-)
Just read it when you have time. By the way, Are you native of mexico (mejicana) or just living in Mejico? |
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Since Ali, seems to be out I will field this one. Its called a monstrance Lourdes. |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 12:52pm |
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Lourdes I just answered your question in a post :)
and I am a native of mexico... yay for brown people! ha! |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 12:52pm |
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| and Zach I'm working on the post about the Inquisition (sorry, I'm at work so I can't post that fast) :) |
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You've got guts . I could see some serious catholic bashing on a site like this but who knows ? Maybe this bunch will surprise me . There are a lot of good people on here. ...
However, fanatics and lunatics often disguise themselves as "committed".I'll avoid the obvious irony there.
I love my catholic friends! And some of them do get caught up in the"mary" thing,..of course if she could do anything for you at all He would not have been necessary. She was certainly "blessed among women"...and chosen...to say the least.
But she is with The Father now and the only one who can intercede for you is Christ.
I love the guy that chose to ask you an unanswerable question.
estoy libre senor jesus christo me salvo |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 2:05pm |
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Thanks King, I definitly got guts, a liver... a stomach... a pair of kidneys..though I don't have my poor apendix any more.... ha ha! (I know I have the most horrible sense of humor but this english expression always cracks me up)
and yeah, you are right, Mary can do nothing, Jesus has all the Power!! woo hoo! In fact No one can Save! except Jesus! yeah!! Amen to that a thousand times. About the deal with Intercession, I will take it as a "question for the mexican catholic" and will answer it soon :)
and the Inquisition deal is not unanswearable. he he... I just answered it :) |
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ali |
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July 13, 2007 at 2:08pm |
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| Carebear: thanks *blushes and giggles* I know, this world wouldn't be complete without a loud mexican...ha ha! God bless. |
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| my wife is a loud mexican...but not catholic :) |
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Sue |
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July 13, 2007 at 4:30pm |
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Ali,
I do not ask this question to be flip or to start an argument. I have just not heard a good solid answer, and I would like to know. I was born and raised Catholic, but later switched to a non-denominational Christian church. So here it goes....
Why do Catholics call priest "father" when the Bible clearly says.....
23:9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
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| do catholics believe that the pope is infallable? |
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ali |
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July 14, 2007 at 7:26pm |
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Thanks Sue and Zack for your wonderful questions! I'll be posting an answer soon. (I'll do most posting during the weekdays, on weekends I don't allow myself much time online :) )
God bless! |
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ali |
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July 16, 2007 at 6:06am |
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| ok. so I am currently working on three posts: the "pope is infallibale?", the "call not man father," and the one about intercession... please let me know if I am missing any of your questions. I'll answer them as soon as possible. Love and God bless! |
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ali |
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July 16, 2007 at 6:29am |
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| and I just misspelled "infallible" ha! |
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Sue |
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July 16, 2007 at 6:40pm |
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This blog sure does deserve a lot of stars with all of this hard work you put into this one!
Thanks so much Ali for answering our questions. You are the  I will read your answer soon and send a star over there as well, whether I agree or not :) |
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ali |
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July 16, 2007 at 6:48pm |
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| Thanks Sue, you are a sweetheart. :) |
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ali |
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July 17, 2007 at 8:21am |
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| mmm.... I need more questions...ask the catholic mexican a question!! :D |
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| Why does the pope wear all those funny looking clothes? |
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Hi Ali, this is great!!! Thanks for posting it sister.
I have a question for you:
How does the Catholic church interpret John 3:3? I never understood the phrase "born again" until I experienced it for myself.
God bless you,
Mary Ann
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ali |
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July 17, 2007 at 9:02am |
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Zach:
I'm so excited about that question! indeed the pope has some funky clothes! and the cool thing is taht they all have a meaning behind them! I'll write more about it in a post... maybe I'll include pictures :D
Mary Ann:
That's an amazing question that covers Baptism, Conversion and a Personal Relationship with Christ! yay! I'll be working on the post and will put it up as soon as possible :) |
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ali |
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July 17, 2007 at 12:16pm |
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Mary Ann: I just put up a post with the answer to the question :)
Zach: I'm working on your post! I really want to find some cool pictures :D |
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ali |
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July 17, 2007 at 12:16pm |
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| and once again, thank you all for playing :) |
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Sue |
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July 17, 2007 at 1:08pm |
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Okay girlfriend! I just got back from a Catholic funeral, so here comes the questions........
What's up with transubstantiation? Do they really think that the elements become the actual body of Christ?
And what does shaking incense around the coffin accomplish??
Questions with lots of smiles :) :) :) :) |
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Sue |
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July 17, 2007 at 1:14pm |
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| Oh and how about praying for the dead? What's that all about? Do Catholics think Mass Cards help people get to a higher heaven? |
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ali |
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July 17, 2007 at 1:35pm |
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Oh yay!! those are FANTABULOUS questions!! I'm so excited!
I'll get to work on them Sue :D
(I bet! Catholic funerals are specially interesting!)
by the way. My Sympathy to the family of whoever passed away.... |
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ali |
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July 18, 2007 at 8:35am |
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| I love those little cute smily thingys ha ha! |
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Kathy |
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July 18, 2007 at 9:11am |
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Great blog, Ali! Three questions:
1) Do Catholics believe that a non-believer can be prayed into heaven after death? (Is this another purgatory question?)
2) Most of my experience with Catholicism has been in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Do you know of significant differences in doctrine or in practice between Mexican Catholicism and that practiced in the U.S.?
3) How is it that you know so much about Catholicism? I have met few Catholics or Protestants who know so much about the positions of their churches/faiths/denominations. |
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ali |
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July 18, 2007 at 10:21am |
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Kathy! thanks for the questions! I'm running kindoff short in time so I'll give you some "quick" answers. I promise to put up a proper post soon! :D
1) Do Catholics believe that a non-believer can be prayed into heaven after death? Is this another Purgatory question?
Indeed another Purgatory question! woo hoo! but it is important to know one thing: Catholics (like protestants) believe that the moment of death is the defining moment. If I didn't get my relationship with God straight before that, then....well... catholic, protestant, orthodox or non-believer I doubt I'll make it to the Pearly Gates. Purgatory is not a "second chance," or a waiting room to see if I get enough prayers to get to Heaven. The decision was already made! (eek!!) I'll explain more in the post on Purgatory :)
2) Most of my experience with Catholicism has been in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Do you know of significant differences in doctrine or in practice between Mexican Catholicism and that practiced in the U.S.?
The cool thing about Catholicism is that it is Universal (catholic means universal) so the doctrine and the important things in practice are absolutely the same things. Catholics in mexico believe the same things as catholics in the U.S., Norway, Spain. Now, the Catholic church is very respectful of cultural background, that's why you will see some difference in stuff that ain't doctrine or dogma... what's that quote? "In Essentials Unity, In Non-essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity."
Now, certain ERRORS, are very characteristic of certain cultures. Like in mexico, because of ignorance people mix the prehispanic religions with catholicity. This is an error, and the Church works very hard to change this kindoff things... the Vooddo and Santerismo of Haiti is an abomination, an insult to Catholicism (sorry about the harsh words, but gotta call it what it is) It takes Catholic words and terms and twistes them beyond recognition...those things have NOTHING to do with Catholicism!
3) How is it that you know so much about Catholicism? I have met few Catholics or Protestants who know so much about the positions of their churches/faiths/denominations.
By the Grace of God!
Plus, when ya’ll ask the questions I have time to research stuff! Ha! If you would ask me on the spot I might have to say to you… “uhh…can I get back to you on that one?”
Plus I am a “JP2 generation” kid. Part of what the Pope called “the new evangelization.” There is a great movement inside the Catholic Church of informed Catholics seeking, learning and rejoicing and letting others know. I am by no means in any way or form “an uncommon catholic”…. Most of my friends are part of this movement too and they are far more learned and spiritual.
The Church makes sure the information is available to her children, the problem is that many times her children don’t know where to look for it or simply don’t want to put in the effort. I read a lot, and I have the grace of being part of an amazing Catholic community. There they educate me on my faith ( “educate” because as I’ve said before, the fun in the Creepy Catholic world never ends!) Plus the internet is FULL of resources for Catholics to learn their faith.
But the important thing: If I just spout out facts, quotes from the Catechism, and verses from the Bible but have not love… I am nothing. I seek to learn about the Church because I long for Him. Because in the Catholic Church I found the treasures of the King. His gifts. His wonders. Because I am thirsty for Him and learning about the Church I learn about Him…and not only “about Him” but I encounter Him!
Wooo…I got excited…gotta breathe…:) |
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jam137 |
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July 18, 2007 at 4:40pm |
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Maybe this is too broad of a question, but I wanted to ask "How do sacraments factor into your relationship with God?" Please let me know if you would like me to be more specific or narrower in my focus.
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ali |
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July 19, 2007 at 6:25am |
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Jam that's a wonderful question and is not too broad at all, actually I was wanting to write
something about it! I'll get to work on it as soon as possible! :D
thanks for Commenting :) |
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ali |
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August 06, 2007 at 9:30am |
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I'm back and would love to keep getting questions! :D
ask me! I'm bored at work, be merciful and give me somthing to do, ha ha!! |
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jam137 |
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August 06, 2007 at 2:08pm |
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Here's another question: a number of Christian groups believe in some form of "apostolic succession." What do Roman Catholics believe apostolic succession to be, and what do they believe it to do?
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ali |
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August 06, 2007 at 2:20pm |
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| Thanks Jam! great question! amazing question indeed. I'll cover it soon :) |
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| Ok, here's one. How do you know when to sit, stand, or kneel during mass? I found this very confusing.. and tiring :). |
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Sue |
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August 09, 2007 at 9:57am |
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| Okay Ali, I have a sensitive subject here. But I have wanted to know this for years. Why if Catholic's are pro-life, why do many of them vote for pro-choice candidates who run for office? |
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I don't suppose for a minute you could actually answer this question for me. But I ask anyway, b/c it has really shaped the way I view Catholicism. (NOTICE I didn't say "Catholics."
Why do so few Catholics regard their faith in God as a relationship between two living beings?
Scripture refers often to God as living, possessing a "heart", and having emotions (proud, grieved, jealous, loving, pleased, etc.). But often when I talk to people of the Catholic faith, they haven't a clue about this. In fact Ali, YOU are the first Catholic I have EVER encountered with such a joyful countenance toward God. Can you help me understand this??
Thanks,
Signed, your ever-loving Protestant brother (who "protests" nothing about you, sis) |
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ali |
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August 10, 2007 at 7:20am |
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Thank you for your question Mike! and such a wonderfully marvelous awesomestest greatest question it is!!!! because it is at the very HEART of Christianity! I will be writing a post about it :) |
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Cool, lookin forward to it my dear mexican catholic friend!
ps... Just noticed my parenthesis before NOTICE doesn't have a mate at the end of the sentence. Drats! |
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ali |
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August 10, 2007 at 8:06am |
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ha ha! what is a "drat?"
p.s. (working on the post!) |
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| Whats with all the prayer cards and why bury a statue of Joseph to sell your house? |
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ali |
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August 13, 2007 at 6:40am |
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| Ha ha! (poor saint Joseph! getting buried!!) that's a great question Zach! I'll write a post about it right now! :D |
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Whats up with relics/icons?
Do Catholics still get indulgences? |
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ali |
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August 13, 2007 at 10:34am |
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wow! those are three question in one!
I'll get to work on those Zach! thank you so much for the questions! you save me from brain-dead boredom at work! ha ha! |
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| Ali, ahi te va una pregunta que muchas veces me ha tocado responder y hace dos dias yo se la hice a una amiga que al hacerce protestante dejo de hacer esta practica y ahora regreso de nuevo al Catolicismo, pero me encanta como tu lo explicas y creo que les va a gustar a todos saber: Por Que Los Catolicos nos Persignamos? (dejarles saber que esta forma de saludo no es adoracion ni el simbolo del coludo como muchos lo creen). XoXoXo |
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ali |
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August 15, 2007 at 1:09pm |
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| Que buena pregunta Panchita! la respondere en mi proximo blog! |
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ali |
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August 15, 2007 at 1:12pm |
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Ey guys, I haven't forgotten your questions!
Zach asked about indulgences
Eric about the Saints and
Panchita about why Catholics make the sign of the cross (the movement that catholics do with their hands before and after praying)
I'll get to them as soon as :) |
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ali |
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August 17, 2007 at 10:44am |
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woo! Sorry I'm behind on the questions! I have a case of "deep-fried-brian" symptom, but I'm gettin over it. Indulgences and Saints are covered. Next will be the one on making th sign of the Cross.
Keep the questions coming! woo hoo! |
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Sue |
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August 30, 2007 at 1:06pm |
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| Okay, I have another one. What about "Holy Days of Obligation." Shouldn't we want to go to church :) "Obligation" just sounds and feels like something we must do. When I was growing up, it was like "Oh no! Not another one!!" Love you girlfriend :) |
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ali |
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August 30, 2007 at 1:40pm |
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nice question! since catholics in the U.S. just had one! ha! its great fun :)
I'll write a post about it soon! |
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BlewJ |
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August 30, 2007 at 2:45pm |
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Like many, I suppose, I'm wondering about Mary. I'm spending time reading the Catechism right now, and I'm really drawn to Catholic belief except in the perpetual virginity and essential sinlessness of Jesus' mother. My reading of Matthew 1:25, "but he had no marital relations with her UNTIL she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus" sounds to me an awful lot like Joseph and Mary had normal, natural, marital sexual relations AFTER Jesus' miraculous birth. It seems "perpetual virginity, furthermore, is just an over-reach to try to explain why Jesus was born w/o "original sin," which seems totally unnecessary, in my opinion. Why could Jesus not have been born with original sin? If the doctrine of original sin is intact, and I'm more convinced that it is than that it isn't, the Bible would seem to be saying that Jesus could still be God incarnate and have original sin since it appears to be saying Mary was no different than you or me except that she was chosen to give birth to Our Lord and Savior while she was a virgin. |
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Sue |
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August 30, 2007 at 2:49pm |
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You mean to tell me they are different days in different parts of the world? Now I gotta hear about this! |
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ali |
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August 30, 2007 at 3:01pm |
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Sue: some are the same (like Christmas) and some others are different depending on the significance of the feast for the people of that country. For example, mexicans LOVE our Lady of Guadalupe, so they celebrate her "party"/feast day... but American catholics don't have such a strong tie to her, so it is not celebrated here... (at least is not a day of obligation, though in some areas there is a big party!)
Blew J. Indeed! wonderful questions about Mary! I'll write a post really soon about it! |
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BlewJ |
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August 31, 2007 at 4:54am |
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I know I already have a question on the table, which is about Mary's supposed eternal virginity and the deeper question of Jesus and original sin.
I'm also wanting to give you something to write about mysticism and social justice, about the vast tradition of Catholic mystics (such as St. Francis, Thomas Merton, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, Francois de Sales, etc.) These saints and countless others had direct experience with God and found there was much more to God (mystery) than what finite human beings could ever know. Shouldn't all Christians be mystics?
The Catholic Church also has a wonderful history of social justice, such as the Catholic Worker Movement of Dorothy Day, and even has some part in Liberation Theology, as Leonardo Boff and Gustafo Gutierrez were both Franciscan monks. Shouldn't all Christians take up a social cause in their love of Jesus?
I have many more questions for the future. Love your spirit.
Josh |
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ali |
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August 31, 2007 at 6:59am |
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Thanks Josh for the questions! since it might take me a while to answer all of them here are some quicky answers to the second questions (I'll write posts about them later on, this are just quicky answers :) )
1) shouldn't all Christians be mystics? Yes! If we understand a mystic to be a person who has a deep profound intimacy with God and to whom the beauty of the Trinitarian life is revealed... then Yes!
The Catholic Church holds that we are ALL called to Holiness which is nothing else than sharing in the Trinitarian life! now, if we understand as "mystics" those people to whom some gifts are given (like apparitions, divine extasis, visions, profound theological wisdom/knowledge) not everyone receives those same gifts.
We are all different parts in the body of Christ. The most ignorant, simple, everyday person can have a deep mystical union with Christ, but only a few will have visions of Him. A good example is St. Therese of Liseux... never had a vision or did anything really important, she was just a quiet little nun that died at 27.... but she loved the Beloved, and lived in intimacy with Him in her daily life.
Now, a thought about mystery. When we fall in love with someone, we keep learning and learning about them, even if we marry them and live together for the next 50 years there will be surprises, and growing and learning about each other, there will be mysteries!.... same thing with the Divine Bridegroom! The deeper we fall in love, the more we get to know the entrails of the Love of God, and since He is eternal the "get to know" part is never over, in fact, it is eternal! The mystery of God, his Love, is never ending, and is an invitation to intimate love.
2)Shouldn't all Christians take up a social cause in their love of Jesus?
We are all called to comfort the sorrowful, clothe the naked, free the oppressed. The word 'social justice' brings up certain connotations to some people, so I will say it this way: we are ALL called to love our neighbors, specially the poorest ones.
Maybe we can't go off to Nicaragua to do some protesting, but loving, serving and fulfilling the needs of the poor/weak in our families/communities is essential for a Christian.... in fact it can mean the difference between Heaven and Hell... yep yep.
25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 25:35 for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; 25:36 naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, `even' these least, ye did it unto me. 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: 25:42 for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
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