I know that the Catholic church is torn over this. I know it from the word of mouth from several that I know and you can read it if you just google and start reading from both sides of the issue. But it goes without saying that it IS an issue and that there are a portion of Catholics that believe that doctrine should be made to make Mary more than God made her. Human and falliable. This is an excerpt from something I was reading on http://www.raptureready.com/rr-catholic.html This was disturbing to me and I have some sincere questions that I hope you guys will answer for me. Im curious if our resident catholics are aware of this group? How about that they can influence the church to make doctrine based on a number of signatures? I also did not know that the church allowed that Mary was an advocate and mediator when the bible said who those two roles were covered by. I knew that a portion of Hispanic catholic churches believe and practice Mary worship but I assumed that it was limited. Is this taught in all the churches? Is the Pontifical Internation Marian Academy recognize by the Vatican?
Thanks for any answers you can give.
Fringe groups, cultural impacts on basic tennants of a belief. A will to change issues to suite particular desires. Superstition. These are all a part of life, and effect anything they touch.
Once there was the Church of England. Now through demands of some, there is the Anglican church and the Episcopalian church. Further still, the Episcopalian church is splitting again into two variants, due to demands by some and a refusal to accept by the remainder.
I am comfortable going into a Catholic church, not so comfortable going into a spanish or Latino Catholic church. I kind of get lost in the proceedings of an orthodox Catholic church. Yet I feel right at home in a church made up mostly of German/Irish/English/Polish/Italian worshippers, same goes for the conservative Episcopalian church.
It is a matter of culture and upbringing that influences the particular parish or diocese.
Even between generations within the same parish there are differences. My parents and grand parents say the rosary, and hold benedictions...I do not (though I know how). They believe in communion at every mass, and I do not worry about it.
Where I stick to old fashioned beliefs is in the seven sacraments, and High Mass for significant events, such as a baptism, Marriage, Memorial services.