features@ihuxf.UUCP (M.A. Zeszutko) (11/10/84)
In the article "Remove shoe, exchange feet, place shoe on other foot", Mr. BenDavid had a passing reference to the "idol-worship of the saints and the mariolatry" of Christians. I know some folk will blow up at this and say it's the fault of the Roman Church. Actually, no true Catholic is an idol-worshipper or one who could be guilty of mariolatry. The statues, pictures, etc., that one finds in Catholic churches are there not as objects of worship (only God is worthy of *worship*), but serve more as reminders of those people who have preceded us to God. The best analogy would be one of rememberance; it's like keeping a picture of your grandparents around. You don't worship them, rather, you remember their part in your life. You might use some of their history to help you get through the tough times in your own life (i.e., "If Grandma could do it, so can I!"). The same thing with the saints and Mary. They were human, subject to the same temptations and trials all of us have. They succeeded in staying close to God all their lives. We want to follow their example. That's the significance. aMAZon ihnp4!ihuxf!features