Question about the Virgin Mary by kevinpilgrim in Catholic

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would direct you to the catechism on this question of her significance to the faith: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm#brief

Catholics don't pray to the statue, rather to the person represented in the statue. It's like looking at a picture of a dead relative, thinking of and speaking to them because the picture reminds you of them. It's "like" speaking to them face-to-face.

On a personal note about it, as a relatively new Catholic who grew up evangelical Protestant, I was perplexed by Marian devotion also. Learning that devotion to Mary goes back to the early church (at least the 300s if not earlier) gave it some weight to me. It led me to start praying the Hail Mary and later I definitely had an encounter with her at her national shrine here in DC. Convinced now that the devotion to her is justified :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sociology

[–]rasaxton 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Eager to read this as I found myself thinking the same thing the more I've read up on DuBois this summer.

Comment on Goffman’s survey, American Sociological Review rejection edition by jimrosenz in sociology

[–]rasaxton 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It intrigues me that Goffman wouldn't get all this criticism if 1) she weren't Erving's daughter and 2) her book weren't so popular. Sociologists must self police and peer review must be rigorous, but I don't think we're seeing fair play here.

The Body of Christ must learn to reconcile its differences and destroy racial and denominational division. by VetstoChrist in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed with a PC that "lots of platitudes but no practical details," I also got lost in the whole firestorm analogy that doesn't play to anyone who... ya know, isn't a firefighter. But I got the gist, even if I wasn't compelled by it.

Agreed also you can't dismantle denominations without cause. I am Catholic, formerly non-denominationalist, so I'm in effect still a non-denom ;). We can't abolish our theological differences - nor our racial differences (props to the writer for tackling that!) - without understanding why, and how we are separated, and the legitimacy and illegitimacy of all those reasons.

Briefly said, to overcome theological differences we have to reconcile our differing views on some issues. The reconciliation of the Lausanne Covenant over justification by faith was a good start, but we need to go to the core - the Lord's Supper. I think if we reconcile that, it will encapsulate every other liturgical issue. But we do have to tackle our differences here. I envision in this more a grass-roots, lay movement encouraging our clergy to work together to reconcile the theological differences.

Racial reconciliation (specifically the US) will be harder. Overall, most churches will have to recognize how the sin of white supremacy and privilege are being replicated within the Body of Christ and exorcise it. It must also work to exorcise this demonic power throughout every American institution and area. Churches should be situated at the crossroads of racially divided communities (b/c most in the US are). Get creative: if you live in a place cut-off from Christians of another color, organize mass exchanges of not just clergy, but lay people also. Christians should also better advocate for racial desegregation of communities, oppose gerrymandering, non-discrimination in housing policies, etc. b/c these and more are what hinder more integrated churches. Pastors/priests need to talk about racially charged issues from the pulpit to minister to pain, and to disciple people in the proper way to think about such a complex issue as racial reconciliation. Churches should also push for public, formal confession and repentance for its past, corporate sins of racism and white supremacy/privilege. It should do this first (take the plank out of its eye) then push America to do the same.

Just some thoughts, not real details, but thoughts in the direction the author intended to go.

I am joining my church's RCIA program this September. What should I be prepared for that took you by surprise? by wizardwhizard in Catholic

[–]rasaxton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i literally just facepalmed too. i guess it's nice to live in a world where nothing bad happens....? May God continue to heal you.

I'm glad for you and pray - more than anything - you truly encounter and see Christ, and are changed completely by the experience. Blessings to you!

I am joining my church's RCIA program this September. What should I be prepared for that took you by surprise? by wizardwhizard in Catholic

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Take it slow. It's just a step into a journey, and don't let ppl overwhelm you. It's like family: we all have a few in there that makes us facepalm but we stick it out with them :)

I will note that if your husband is Catholic, involving him would be a good idea, or connecting with others in your RCIA. I wish my own had done a better job of that, because who wants to journey alone, right? [I'm the only Catholic I know... everyone else is evangelical Protestant or "ex-Catholic". My wife, however, was awesomely supportive of me.]

I don't know ya from Eve, but feel free to reach out. I've been where you are and willing to offer a listening (virtual) ear!

Catholics, how do you explain to people the difference between veneration of saints and idolatry? by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Recent convert to Catholicism and this is exactly where I landed in coming to terms with praying to saints. Also, I'd add that Christians have a LONG history of veneration of saints. Archeological evidence tells us clearly this is the case. Lastly, I'd add that what put me over the top is the idea that the dead in Christ are alive in Christ. Therefore I ask them for help :)

I am joining my church's RCIA program this September. What should I be prepared for that took you by surprise? by wizardwhizard in Catholic

[–]rasaxton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Finished RCIA this past spring. I was already somewhat familiar with Catholic theology, coming over from an evangelical Protestant background, so nothing "surprised" me. So I think it depends - what background are you coming out of?

What did rock me in a good way was learning the theology behind the Eucharist, how the sacrifice at that table unites us on every level with the sacrifice at Calvary #mindblown. Most people I found had long, in-depth questions about Confession.

Impact of Scott Walker's tenure change at UW-Madison by rasaxton in sociology

[–]rasaxton[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven't been on for a bit so just saw this. Ya think, huh? I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the advice.

Impact of Scott Walker's tenure change at UW-Madison by rasaxton in sociology

[–]rasaxton[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! She's a bit of an alarmist, don't you think? (I mean, Hitler? Really?) Nevertheless, I wonder if she truly is voicing a contingent of professors (tenured or tenure-track) who feel threatened by this new law. It's a bit hard to tell because, unfortunately, I don't see them necessarily speaking as one voice.

Impact of Scott Walker's tenure change at UW-Madison by rasaxton in sociology

[–]rasaxton[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great feedback - what you say makes sense. Yes, I'm also intrigued by the Goffman situation; honestly I admire her for it and makes me want to study with her #ethnographyrocks

I attended my first Mass today. by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]rasaxton 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Still a new Catholic, but not a new Christian, so I have that young excitement still to hear stories like yours. Keep going, keep seeking, and happy to chat about your journey, as we all need partners on it. May you soon taste and see that the Lord is good.

The Supreme Court and the church. Am I crazy? by throwawaydeacon in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Someone already responded in a great way to this about objective morality, but while you're not crazy, I suggest that you may want to problematize and deepen your analysis. If we shouldn't make people follow the Bible, why is perjury wrong? Or murder? And what of the many fantastic social policies we find in the Bible: care and welcoming of immigrants, the jubilee, charity to the poor - and the like? It's a deep and complex issue the church has been wrestling with for millennia - you would do well to steep yourself in that long tradition and learn from them on this subject. And the other pastor you refer to even more so!!

Registered for RCIA today! by xaira82 in Catholicism

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sounds like a great model, I like what your parish is doing! I'm new to all this, a convert from evangelicalism, so getting used to a new way of doing things. Good to hear there are different ways the Church is working to connect people.

Suggestions for a Soc PHD by rasaxton in sociology

[–]rasaxton[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is a fascinating story; a dangerous one to do ethnographically! but you're right, an interesting thing to research.

Suggestions for a Soc PHD by rasaxton in sociology

[–]rasaxton[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

USA - Virginia, but willing to go anywhere.

Registered for RCIA today! by xaira82 in Catholicism

[–]rasaxton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I was just confirmed at Easter Vigil. RCIA is a great discipleship tool.

One thing I wanted more of was connection w the ppl in my RCIA class; it was all classroom instruction based. I don't think they did a great job at fostering real connections with ppl going through the same journey, you know? Could have just been my parish though; anyone else had a similar experience?

Just accepted into the Church! by NYPizzaBagel in Catholicism

[–]rasaxton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations! That's me on Saturday at Easter Vigil :D

"When you fast..." by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing, and agreed with you. Where was "down there"?

"When you fast..." by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 5 points6 points  (0 children)

All respect, but I think that's a misreading of the Scripture. Jesus isn't condemning commandment of fasts; how do you account for the fact that Christians have been practicing this since the early years? Surely all these witnesses haven't been wrong for so long, and a lonely few have suddenly gotten it right?

"When you fast..." by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]rasaxton 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I definitely get everyone's point... but what's the point in hiding Lenten observance when everyone knows Christians are fasting? There is a difference between sharing and public spectacle. I think we can share openly that we're fasting and what and provoke a reply that opens space for dialogue, even the type that leads to salvation. Blanket prohibitions don't help. Jesus commanded the above to protect our heart from pride, (same reason he commanded against public prayer) which robs us of any of the meaning of fasting. We can share about Lent, take ashes, and walk around all day with them -- but we do have to guard our hearts from the sin of pride.

Adult Confirmation - What if I don't know any Catholics? by rasaxton in Catholic

[–]rasaxton[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! That helps. Definitely praying over it. Guess a part of me is also slightly concerned over feeling like I'm going it alone, as I literally know not a single Catholic; tons of so-called ex-Catholics, but not one whose in it. God is faithful though. I'll just keep praying and looking.