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Originally Posted by A5pointer  Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Quote:
Originally Posted by A5pointer
The wafer however is not worshiped is it? Believe me, I feel very weird defending anything RC. I just think it is overboard and moving beyond the biblical definition of idolotry to label the mass as such. I am looking forward to this conversation as instructional. I voted no.
| Yes, it is worshipped. The official teaching of Rome is that the bread and wine become the physical body of Christ when the priest elevates the host in the Roman mass. In the old Roman rite, that I grew up on, when the priest elevated the host, the acolyte would ring bells (which is still done in many massses) to indicate that this was the body of Christ. Many worshippers would make the sign of the cross or bow their heads (while in a posture of kneeling). After the priest would finish elevating the host he would genuflect. Roman Catholics are required to genuflect when they enter a Roman Catholic "church" because the consecrated bread from previous masses is stored in a box (tabernacle) on the main altar or side altar. At certain "services" the priest will place the consecrated host in what is called a monstrance and parade it before the people. He will leave this on a main altar for people to come for times of private adoration or worship. This is idolatry pure and simple. | I hear this, but have suggested that ignorance of this does not equal "worship of idols" for the participants. The thread continues to argue whether Catholics should be evangelized in their context but continues to miss the question. Is the mass the worship of idols? As a continuing question are we seeing the orthodox gatherings in the same light as they include icons. I still think it is wrong to dismiss these groups as engaging only in "idol worship". Wow sure feels lonely on the PB to stand alone on the question. Yikes. |
It does not matter whether the worshippers are ignorant or not, they will still be judged as all men will be judged. It does not matter if it is Roman or Eastern Orthodox it is still idolatry. I have stated why it is idolatry because it is the worship of graven images or robing the LORD of His glory. It is strange worship that is not prescribed by Scripture. The reformers, especially Calvin in his treatise The Necessity of Reforming the Church state this point very clearly. If you look at the official teaching of Rome on the doctrine of the mass, it is clearly idolatry.