What's the deal with Catholic relics?
360766
they make cool ornaments and home decor
1141975
Millions of Catholic saints are buried in the United States.\n\nEveryone in heaven or on their way to heaven are saints. You, me, my deceased grandmother, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mother Teresa. \n\nHow many "canonized" Catholic saints are buried in the United States? This would be very hard to determine.\n\nWith love in Christ.
382011
I have mixed feelings on the subject. Personally I think it’s a concept that has an impressive historical record that I acknowledge as one of many possibilities. In the end you’re going to need to die to really know for sure. Also contrary to what many people here are telling you, Roman Catholics aren't the only Christians to hold on to the concept of purgatory as a teaching. \n\n\n\nFor those of you who don't know, Purgatory is essentially defined as: "a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace are not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions."\n\nReferences to a place of purgation (place where your purged of your sins) are made as far back as the beginning of the third century (by Clement of Alexandria) and are frequently referenced up to and beyond the bible's canonization (where they decided what books should go into the bible) in 390CE. While no direct references to purgatory were chosen in 390CE, it was acknowledged that the concept was worthy of incorporation into other church publications.\n\nWhen the Reformation came in northern europe, the concept of purgatory was something chosen to be dropped to help distinguish the reformers from the old Church. At the time the idea was being abused in some regions to encourage wealthy church patrons to help "buy" their way out of their sins. This is why many of the Protestant groups today are still contemptuous of the concept, despite it's importance to earlier Christian groups. \n\nThe second act of Dante’s Inferno deals with the concept of purgatory, but if you really wish to learn more you’ll need to read translations of the works of St. Augustine and other early Christian leaders. Dan 12:10; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:2-3; 2 Mac 12:42-45; Matthew 5:26; Lk 12:47-48; Lk 12:58-59; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Apoc 21:27: are some of the biblical passages which were included in 390 that many site provide for the existence of a state of purgatory.\n\n\nArmus
777497
LOL sorry I wasn't aware of that relic. Has it been scientifically studied? Or is it off limits to everyone like the ark in ethiopia?\nHell, we could do that, then implant it in a virgin and bingo, homemade holyman. I guess scientists work in mysterious ways too. LOL
578978
To april_hwth: Catholics don't pray to popes and saints as an end. They pray to saints to intercede on their behalf to God since they are already in heaven and can effectively communicate with God. Catholics can also pray directly to God, if they so choose. \n\nThe Rosary is one type of prayer asking the Virgin Mary (who is a saint) to intercede to her son Jesus on behalf of the person. It is not the only prayer that Catholics employ, but it is one of the more popular ones.\n\nAnd Catholics believe that faith is not enough to get to heaven. You should do all you can to do good works and help others because you'll find Jesus while doing good works. Faith without good works is dead. What are you supposed to do, just keep believing in Jesus and not do anything good? Is that fair for the people who spend their entire life doing good? Will they get the same reward as someone who honestly believes in Christ but does nothing good? Even Jesus did good things...and all Christians should do their best to emulate that good example, which does include good works.
238951
I think there's 108, and actually they stole it off the Buddhists. (mala beads) For Buddhists they're used to help with meditation, prayer, whatever you want! For Catholics they're used for a specific prayer, whatever you want to specify, be it a Hail Mary or the Lord's Prayer, you just close your eyes and rub a bead for each time you say your prayer.\n\nOh and of course they can be made! That would be wonderful. You should check out the manufactured ones first to understand how to make one. I think it's 10 beads and then one of a different color, and the one of a different color is supposed to illicit a different prayer (I think) I'm going to try to find the site that I got a few free rosaries off of, I'll let you know.\n\nHere's where you can get freebies: \nhttp://www.familyrosary.org/main/rosary-rosaries-contact.php
940191
Return them to nature, bury, burn or make them an offering to a river or the sea. \nPeople buy old religious prints and statues on eBay but you can't know how they'll be treated or what they might be used for, if you don't really care about this you could make some extra dollars.
846195
Those two links have em all. If you have a catholic shrine that has a gift shop check out the prayer cards or saint cards. They are neat small cards with the saint or person of the bible with the info and prayer on reverse.\n\nFirst link is St christipher\n\nThe second link is a massive index. There is a lot of saints.
1123937
Yeah, I've been wondering myself why they're called IDOLS - I sure don't worship them and I haven't seen a statuette of any of them so-called Idols up front with the rest of the Saints.\n\nHmmm...now you've got me thinking. ;-P
816147
What you are not entertaining, is the other possibility, that they CAN be reconciled, and you aren't seeing it, or not letting yourself.  It is not hard, it is right there.   The reference you give supports itself within the bible.  I don't see the problem, sorry.  Perhaps, your bible (Catholic Bible), could be off?    Do a study of the Christian cannon, and how the books were chosen to be included, or left out.  It is fascinating and eye opening.  Don't just assume the catholic church has it right, study for yourself.
606433
the older the idols, more the value it fetches illegally or legally... so if you have 1 you are considered rich. idols are stolen and then sold in black market to the person giving the highest price for it. then that person keeps it in his private collection for his own viewing.. many famous people have done that with rare paintings too.
385780
Not really, it seems a desperate move to start moving letters around to fit a predetermined theory. The original grail (gradale) was a dish or plate - however, with the absence of such an artifact at some time in the past it became associated with a wine goblet (probably communion related) - then with the further absence of a suitably impressive cup it becomes the geneological blood line. In my opinion it is a dish or plate. The big question is "why must it be kept hidden?" The answer is that if discovered the images that are engraved into its surface will destroy the basis of the Christian religion. Consider this: Jesus existed, a clever and honest man, but his occupation was not a carpenter but a "storyteller." In his possession was the tool of his trade - a plate engraved with the prehistoric zodiac that preceded the present zodiac, a very ancient planisphere that had been passed down through the family for thousands of years. The images on this plate were used to form "stories" or even "parables" for others to listen to. The angels, the nativity, John the Baptist and even the crucifixion were stories that could be made up and read from the images on this plate. If this were true it would explain why the grail has never been found - it would destroy Christianity.
397120
As a Catholic, I do not believe they are idols.  Let me ask you a question....Do you carry around a picture of a loved one in your wallet, perhaps take it out and look at it.  Are you then worshiping a photo?  No, of course not, the photo is only a representation of the loved one and so it is in Catholic life.  We have pictures, statues and medals as holy reminders to us.  They are not worshipped, they are a means to bring and keep us closer to our God in all word and deed and also serve as examples to us in our desire to follow Jesus.
988049
At my house we have a crucifix [pretty decent sized] and a statue of Mary hanging from the wall in our living room..  She sits on this thing my grandpa got us from Vietnam.  There are little branches that come out of the base, and we have rosarys hang from there.  The base makes the rosaries have an easier access when we go and get them to use.
415511
O.K.  I am Catholic.  Just a moment and I will give you the Biblical background for the Rosary.\n\nIn the mean time, read Luke 1:1-2 about things that are in the Bible versus things that are tradition.  Being Catholic isn't all about what is in the Bible (which wasn't written for some time after the death of Jesus), but is also about the Tradition of the Church that Jesus established.  Tradition that was used WHILE He was on earth.\n\nIf you take the time to read all of this, you will find that there is Biblical scripture to back it up.  If you have any questions, please contact me - I will be more than happy to answer ANY question you have on this subject.\n\n** ABOUT THE ROSARY **\n\nMeditations on the mysteries of the rosary are from New Testament events and today are a standard part of the rosary. They are divided into 3 sets of 5, one being meditated on at the beginning of each decade. We begin hearing about mysteries, called Incarnation;, Passion and Resurrection; around the mid 15th century. It is listed in a book by 1489 very close to the order we now know as the Gospel events: \n\nJOYOUS MYSTERIES \n(Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation and Finding Jesus in the Temple). \n \nSORROWFUL MYSTERIES \n(Agony in the Garden, Scourging, Crown with Thorns, Carrying the Cross and Crucifixion). \n \nGLORIOUS MYSTERIES \n(Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption and Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven). \n\n~ ORIGIN of 4 BASIC PRAYERS ~ \n \nThe basic prayers of the Rosary are from scripture. Traditionally there are more prayers than the following 4 but this makes up the foundation of what we now call the Christian Rosary. The standard Rosary is a circle of 5 decades or 50 small beads punctuated with 4 larger beads. There is a pendant of two large and three small beads ending in a cross.  The smaller beads on the rosary are the Ave's or 'Hail Marys'  and the larger are called Paternosters or the 'Our Fathers'.  The following prayers form the foundation of and are the basic prayers recited on the rosary. \n\n(The sign of the cross; or blessing ones self; and the amen; have roots back to the Old Testament. They were carried into the Christian liturgy and prayer life from these foundations.)\n\n~ SIGN of the CROSS ~ \n \nIn the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Was part of the Diadiche or early Catechism taught to the new Christians by the Apostles and was used during the baptism of new members into the Church. The signing of the cross on one fore head has its written beginnings as early as the Old Testament. In Ezekial 9:4 'Pass through the city (Jerusalem) and mark their foreheads with an X' (form of a cross); ...to mark the innocent. Also see Ex 12:7 and Rev 7:3, 9:4 and 14:1. Also seeExodus17:9 -14. The sign is considered a life giving symbol. We are sealed in Christ. \n \n~ THE AMEN ~ \n \nHas its origin in the liturgy of the Jewish Synagogue. It was an unwritten response and in Hebrew (aman) it means to 'strengthen' or 'confirm'.  'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from eternity and let the people say Amen....' Christ is quoted 'Amen, amen I say unto you...' Today we use it to affirm or confirm as we respond: 'so be it' or 'I agree' which also has its roots in Old Testament. \n\n~ APOSTLES CREED ~ \n\nThe Apostles Creed is the first prayer said after the 'Sign of the Cross' (In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen) is made: \nThis brief statement is an overview of what Christians believe. It dates back to the Apostles themselves and was used during baptism. The earliest written form known is Tertullian, 200 AD, and the present form dates before 700 AD. \n\nIt reads:\n\nI believe in the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth. \nI believe in Jesus Christ his only son, Our Lord. \nHe was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit  and born of the Virgin Mary. \nHe suffer
583658
'Cause they lost my favorite enchanted relics... Where my holy grail at?
227181
I saw not one, but two souls for sale on eBay, years ago.\n\nOne was going for $0.50, next bid would have been $0.75. I really wanted to bid on it. He said it was clean, and virtually unused. You also got his body whenever he died, and 10% of his estate at that time.\n\nMy ex wouldn't let me bid! What a wet blanket!\n\nThe other one was soul only. I forget what it was going for.\n\nAs others have said, eBay removed the listings. Someone complained. Go figure.\n\nI almost bid on the autographed (Certified! Via genuine channeller!) picture of Jesus for my Mom, but I wasn't too sure she'd see the humor! :-))\n\nYOUR soul, however, would probably go for the whole $122.55!\n\nBefore I bid, what's the shipping?