Are you one of the millions of people around the world who pray to Mary? Do you believe that praying to her can intercede for you with Jesus Christ? While this practice is deeply rooted in many cultures and religions, there are some who believe that it is a form of spiritism disguised as devotion. In this blog post, we will explore the shocking truth about praying to Mary and investigate whether it is a legitimate form of worship or a dangerous form of idolatry. So, sit back, relax, and let’s unpack this controversial topic together.
The Shocking Truth About Praying to Mary: Is It Spiritism in Disguise?
Introduction
Praying to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other saints has been a practice of the Catholic Church for centuries. However, controversy surrounds this practice as some see it as a form of spiritism, which is explicitly condemned in the Bible. So, is it spiritism in disguise? Let’s find out.
Deuteronomy 18:11 Condemns Spiritists Mediums and Calling up the Dead
In the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible, chapter 18, verse 11, it is explicitly stated that anyone who practices spiritism, consults mediums, or calls up the dead is detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, the question arises: is praying to Mary and other saints a form of spiritism or not?
Christians Should Not Pray to Mary or the Saints Like the Catholic Church Does
Many Christians argue that praying to Mary and the saints is not biblical and goes against the teachings of the Bible. They believe that we should only pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. They see praying to Mary and other saints as going against the commandment to have no other gods before God.
Catholic Priest Michael Nixon Argues That Praying to Mary and the Saints is Different Because It’s Through Their Intercession
However, some Catholics argue that praying to Mary and the saints is not the same as worshiping them. They believe that it is through their intercession that they are praying. They argue that Mary and the saints are closer to God than we are, and so, by praying to them, we are asking them to intercede on our behalf. Catholic priest Michael Nixon has argued that praying to Mary and other saints is different than praying to God. It is not a form of idolatry, but rather a way of asking for their help in praying to God.
Praying to the Saints in the Form of a Prayer is Acceptable, as They Intercede for Us
The Catholic Church teaches that praying to the saints is acceptable as long as it is done in the form of a prayer to God, acknowledging that the saints are interceding for us. They argue that, just as we can ask our friends and family to pray for us, we can also ask the saints in heaven to intercede for us.
Jesus is the Only Way to the Father and Intercedes for Us in the Presence of God
Regardless of what one believes about the practice of praying to Mary and the saints, one thing is clear: Jesus is the only way to the Father. The Bible says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus also intercedes for us in the presence of God. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Mary and the Saints Cannot Hear Any Prayers
Another argument against the practice of praying to Mary and the saints is that they cannot hear our prayers. The Bible makes it clear that the dead are asleep in the grave, waiting for the second coming of Jesus. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.” Therefore, it is impossible for Mary and the saints to hear our prayers.
Mary and the Saints are Asleep in the Grave Waiting to be Taken to Heaven at the Second Coming of Jesus
According to the Bible, Mary and the saints are not in heaven yet. They are waiting for the second coming of Jesus, at which point they will be resurrected and taken to heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the practice of praying to Mary and other saints is common in the Catholic Church, it is a controversial one. Some see it as a form of spiritism, which is explicitly condemned in the Bible. However, others argue that it is simply a way of asking for intercession on our behalf. Regardless of what one believes, it is important to remember that Jesus is the only way to the Father, and it is through his intercession that we can have access to God. We can also learn more about what happens when we die by watching the video “10 facts about death according to the Bible.”