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Praying to Saints

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
Would praying to selected Saints result in a better way of life?
I don't believe as such but some do, and I have no way of telling whether they're right or wrong.

The Church from the get-go believed that there was a "communion of saints", whereas there was no insurmountable barrier that separated the living saints from the deceased saints. So, much like I can pray for you and you for me while we're alive, their logic is that death does not stop that process.
 

Cockadoodledoo

You’re going to get me!
Perhaps, I suspect faith/belief has a placebo effect.
I suppose one could pray to Einstein, Newton, etc, instead of a Saint.
But are’nt Saints meant to have good intentions.
I’m not saying Einstein, Newton wouldn’t show you the true way,
But I expect they’re too busy for communicating with Humans.
I kind of expect Saints are Saints because they have all the time in eternity to guide the sheep.
And is there a process for choosing a Saint?
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
I suppose one could pray to Einstein, Newton, etc, instead of a Saint.
But are’nt Saints meant to have good intentions.
I’m not saying Einstein, Newton wouldn’t show you the true way,
But I expect they’re too busy for communicating with Humans.
I kind of expect Saints are Saints because they have all the time in eternity to guide the sheep.
And is there a process for choosing a Saint?

If someone made them Saints. :D

Yeah, there's a process but maybe a Catholic would know more about it.
 

Cockadoodledoo

You’re going to get me!
On the other hand, choosing a person to pray to who is alive here and now,
May be beneficial if telepathy has any reality!

If you had to choose one person who is alive, to pray to, who would it be?
 

Truthseeker

Non-debating member when I can help myself
You could pray to saints, but it is more effective to pray to God, and pray to God through His Manifestation.
 

LuisDantas

Aura of atheification
Premium Member
Praying to saints may easily be beneficial for many people, if for no other reason because it reminds oneself of their values and provides a measure of focus.

Whether there is anything supernatural at work there is IMO a separate and far more speculative question.

I suppose one could pray to Einstein, Newton, etc, instead of a Saint.
But are’nt Saints meant to have good intentions.

If I am not mistaken, many a Catholic saint used to be lacking in good intent during his or her life. Of course, they all presumably learned better later.

I’m not saying Einstein, Newton wouldn’t show you the true way,
But I expect they’re too busy for communicating with Humans.

Allow me to point out that at least some people believe that living humans can be saints (or at least saintly) as well. Particularly if we are not going by strictly Catholic views of sainthood.

I kind of expect Saints are Saints because they have all the time in eternity to guide the sheep.
And is there a process for choosing a Saint?
There is certainly a process for decreeing sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. A fairly involved and formal one at that.

Of course, most everyone is free to simply decide that someone is saintly even if the RCC does not agree or has not formalized an agreement.

Canonization - Wikipedia

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whose judgment, if any, you will accept on this matter.
 

Epic Beard Man

Bearded Philosopher
Would praying to selected Saints result in a better way of life?

In my opinion praying to other humans that have passed on does nothing to help your life. I think a lot of traditions especially Christian/Catholicism even some African/Spanish traditions have made the belief that intercessors somehow help you and although it is possible, in my belief I think what makes your life better is doing the necessary actions to change your circumstances that make your life better. Ultimately, in my belief it is up to God to make this happen. I look at it like this.........If you're going to get fired, your union or your representatives can make an argument on your behalf on why termination should not be the end result of your occupation, but ultimately the decision rests in the hands of the one doing the hiring and firing. I see God inn this way annd the union reps like the saints. Why have faith in the ones who have no true power over your life and not the one that ultimately dictates your life?
 

David T

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Would praying to selected Saints result in a better way of life?
That's actually Not the purpose of prayer. Or it shouldn't be at least...We might as well carry rabbits feet and discontinue prayer if that becomes the purpose .
 
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syo

Well-Known Member
Would praying to selected Saints result in a better way of life?
yes. the saints and the rest of the faithful form the church. we are all part of the church and so we are not alone. a big family. the saints help us from heaven. i know cases of miracles happening involving saints. saints pray with us so that god will always be in our lives.
 

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
A solution to the problem: if one doesn't believe in praying through the saints, then don't.

Problem solved. Now I'm gonna pass the basket for your generous donations-- thank you in advance.
 

tayla

My dog's name is Tayla
After all, they are in the afterlife realm and must know the ‘truth’ about religions by now.......surely.
Yes, I suppose. If they even exist at all... And assuming they are able to accurately communicate their knowledge to us... And if they have actual power to help us back here on earth...
 
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