Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: ileaf!io!enos!lae@eddie.mit.edu (Larry Enos) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: 'Veneration of the 'Saints'' Message-ID: Date: 16 Jul 90 06:58:49 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: Interleaf, Cambridge, MA Lines: 21 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu As a former Catholic who attended parachiol school under the Jesuits and the Sisters of Saint Joseph (the intellectual elite of the Catholic clergy), I can state that what is described in this booklet is essentially what we were taught. For example, we were frequently encouraged to make special devotions to Mary and other saints (e.g., by attending masses or performing special prayer rituals) to obtain specific blessings. Likewise, we were told that everytime the Lord closes a door, Mary opens a window, which implies that she is more merciful than Jesus. Therefore, despite what some Catholics say to defend the so-called `veneration' of saints, I can testify that, in actual practice, it is nothing more than idolatry. "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols." First Epistle of John, 5:20-21