Posted on 06/28/2012 1:11:48 PM PDT by NYer
“clearing the way for the advancement of his sainthood cause.”
The Bible refers to ALL believers in Christ as saints, multiple times.
If he wasn’t one at death, it is sadly, too late now.
If he was a saint at death, he doesn’t need a committee.
Venerable Archbishop Sheen, pray for us!
And now more than ever.
If he were not a saint at death, then he is not one now, assuredly.
If he was a saint at death, that is surely known to the Almighty but is not necessarily known to us.
The process of canonization establishes whether or not this person, who so many look to as an example, truly is what he is said to be - so that we can know the answer to the question.
Sheen was cool. A little before my time, but I watch videos of his TV program and I’m always impressed.
"And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19
“I realize you are not conversant with the terminology, but a little curiosity wouldn’t hurt.”
“If he was a saint at death, that is surely known to the Almighty but is not necessarily known to us.”
... I know the terminology. More important than me is that the Holy Bible is clear and unequivocal that all believers in Christ are saints from the moment they exercise faith in the Gospel of Grace. The closest we can get on earth to knowing they have exercised saving faith is their word and the accompanying fruit of their lives. Faith that saves is never alone.
“The process of canonization establishes whether or not this person, who so many look to as an example, truly is what he is said to be - so that we can know the answer to the question.”
... Unfortunately, nothing that transpires by committee after death, confirms someone is a saint.
... Unfortunately too, these proceedings add criteria that fly in the face of the clear teaching of the Holy Bible as to what a true saint is.
Oh well. After Cardinal Newman, why not?
In other words, you do not believe that the Lord founded a Church or, if you do, you do not believe that He endowed it with any discernment.
Such a view is contrary to the Scriptural evidence.
Following along with freeper wideawake’s approach, it might be easier to think of this in terms of sports. There are many great athletes but not all of them are recognized. For Catholics, saints are like sports heroes in the secular world. Their stories exemplify lives turned toward Christ, despite great hardships. In the Catholic Church, the process is lengthy and must meet strict criteria, including two documented miracles. While many christians are saints, not all of them meet such criteria.
“In other words, you do not believe that the Lord founded a Church or, if you do, you do not believe that He endowed it with any discernment.”
Neither is correct.
“Such a view is contrary to the Scriptural evidence.”
Such a view affirms Scripture.
“For Catholics, saints are like sports heroes in the secular world. Their stories exemplify lives turned toward Christ, despite great hardships. In the Catholic Church, the process is lengthy and must meet strict criteria, including two documented miracles. While many christians are saints, not all of them meet such criteria.”
I don’t mean to tell you what to believe. You alone decide that.
I simply pointed out that the Holy Bible recognizes ALL Christians as saints. No exceptions are shown ever.
Further, their sainthood depends only on their acceptance/trust in the completed work of Christ. There are absolutely no miracles required. Not even one miracle required. None.
Frankly, most so called miracles claimed are opinions. Acts records that when Peter walked down the streets and his shadow fell on people, they were healed. Healing was undeniable. But even in Peter’s case, that did not make him a saint. Today, the “miracles” involve someone praying to some departed Christian and claiming that person healed them - opinion. Heck, we don’t even know the departed Christian can hear them, let alone heal.
To make sainthood into a sports star status demeans the power of the Gospel of Grace that makes all true believers into saints. THAT is an amazing miracle!
It was the highlight of our day to come home and listen to Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. God IS good and...God IS watching and listening. To all those who doubt... when the time comes...don’t say we didn’t warn you.
This is reveals a gross misunderstanding of Catholic doctrine. The Church does not create saints or decide who is or is not a saint. It only recognizes individuals worthy of veneration and emulation because of their lives, contributions and sacrifices. It is not an inerrant practice.
Peace be with you.
“It is not an inerrant practice.”
Even worse, it distorts the word “saint” that God Himself applies multiple times to every single believer. It adds qualifications God Himself does not add.
Clearly, it is not inerrant.
For the record, I hope the dear man was a saint.
Your understanding is apparently crippled by the limitations of English. A saint is a holy person, and the term saint is derived from the Latin word "Sanctus" meaning holy. It is not an office, it is an adjective. A saint is one recognized by the Church as holy.
The Church used this term for 15 centuries before there was an English language. If anyone is guilty of distorting the term is it the English.
Peace be with you.
SAINTHOOD 101: Rules for Becoming a Saint [Catholic Caucus]
The Process of Becoming a Saint (Canonization) [Catholic Caucus]
Pope Lists Criteria for Causes of Canonization
1) The candidate must be deceased for a minimum of five years
So do you meet the first criterion for becoming a saint?
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