sigh ....
why does this misconception still exist ?
we don't pray to mary, we don't worship her. She's the mother of
Jesus, and thus one of the subjects of veneration in the catholic
church.
as to other points, here's my personal feelings, of why I became
a born-again catholic.
Lots of other christian churches preaches salvation only for
those who've received the faith, I rejected this outright. I refuse
to believe that my loved ones, my parents, my relatives, my friends
of other beliefs and faiths would all go to hell simply because
they didn't have the chance to receive the word of jesus as I did,
or that they honestly chose not to believe.
In the catholic church, we NEVER preach that "if you're not with
us, you're bound for hell". It is part of our belief that there are
inherent goodness in everyone, that there are good people of other
faiths, and that they'll all be subjected to God's mercy regardless
of what they believe in. How can I believe that all others who've
done good all their lives would be consigned to hell simply because
they didn't receive the word ? or honestly don't belive in what we
believe in ? Or that those who've died before they've received the
word are lost ? This is absolute rubbish, God is greater than
that.
In my RCIA class, one of the first things they tell you, is that
it doesn't really matter what you believe in, if you're a buddhist,
then be a good buddhist, if you're a hindu, be a good hindu, if
you're a muslim, be a good muslim, etc etc. If course, if you are
called by jesus, then that's a different story, you can't go back
to sleep once you've been woken up. But if you're not, if you are
uncomfortable with what's been preached, or if you're happy with
your own faith, it's okay ! .... no one would ever tell you you're
automatically consigned to hell, cos you won't be. That's why we
are not as preachy nor as missionary about our faith as some other
christians are. We were told; be a good person, live your life
well, then, regardless of your faith you'll be given God's
mercy.
And this was what really touched me, that made me take the leap
of faith.
and of course, if you reject what I've said, and what I stand
for, it's okay .... no one, not me, nor God, would hold it against
you.
tks fatum for yr beautiful sharing..
which parish rcia did you attend?
God Bless