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Protestant Use of Rosary with Catholic Medal

Benjamin Bradley

Benjamin Bradley

Member
Hello All,

I was recently given a nice handmade rope rosary. I am not Catholic, but my family on my Mom's side is traditionally Catholic and I have a lot of affection for Catholicism even if I follow a different theological path, so I would really like to use this rosary. I'm a non-denominational Christian with Evangelical and Lutheran leanings and I'd like to use the rosary in a way that is consistent with my theological beliefs. I found a Lutheran prayer guide for the rosary which I think is really cool.

The thing that I'm unsure about is that this rosary has a four way cross medal on it. Basically it's a cross with symbols for The Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Christopher and The Miraculous Medal (The Virgin Mary stepping on the serpent). I suppose I have two questions regarding this:

The first is for Catholics: Would my use of a cross with saints on it be offensive to you? Would you consider it a misuse? I have complete and total admiration for Mary & Joseph, and while I don't believe the legends of St. Christopher, I think his story is a beautiful representation of a dutiful Christian.

The second is for Protestants: Would you consider my use of a cross with saints on it idolatry even if I am not praying to them or asking them to pray on my behalf? It would be more of a reminder of my cultural history and good examples of Christ followers.

Then again, perhaps I am just being silly and worrying about things that don't matter. I know the issue of Saints
can be nuanced and everyone has a different view point, particularly between denominations, but I'm really curious what you all have to say. I put this under Interfaith Discussion because I really don't want this to become a debate, just a friendly sharing of viewpoints.

thanks,
Benjamin
 
C

columbus

yawn <ignore> yawn
Benjamin Bradley said:
Would my use of a cross with saints on it be offensive to you? Would you consider it a misuse?
Click to expand...
You don't say exactly how you intend to use it. Assuming that you are using it the normal way, focused prayer, I don't see the slightest problem with that. I can't think of any attitude or mindset amongst Catholics that would.
If you were using it in some LHP ritual or something disrespectful, that would be completely different.
Tom
 
Benjamin Bradley

Benjamin Bradley

Member
columbus said:
You don't say exactly how you intend to use it. Assuming that you are using it the normal way, focused prayer, I don't see the slightest problem with that. I can't think of any attitude or mindset amongst Catholics that would.
If you were using it in some LHP ritual or something disrespectful, that would be completely different.
Tom
Click to expand...

I would be using it for Lutheran rosary prayer. [Link]
 
Kemosloby

Kemosloby

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Probably the most pertinent arguement for that situation is the causing a brother to stumble. Though none of those things are really anything if someone sees you doing it and believes they are it could cause them to stumble.

Romans 14:22 Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.…
 
U

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
Benjamin Bradley said:
Hello All,

I was recently given a nice handmade rope rosary. I am not Catholic, but my family on my Mom's side is traditionally Catholic and I have a lot of affection for Catholicism even if I follow a different theological path, so I would really like to use this rosary. I'm a non-denominational Christian with Evangelical and Lutheran leanings and I'd like to use the rosary in a way that is consistent with my theological beliefs. I found a Lutheran prayer guide for the rosary which I think is really cool.

The thing that I'm unsure about is that this rosary has a four way cross medal on it. Basically it's a cross with symbols for The Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Christopher and The Miraculous Medal (The Virgin Mary stepping on the serpent). I suppose I have two questions regarding this:

The first is for Catholics: Would my use of a cross with saints on it be offensive to you? Would you consider it a misuse? I have complete and total admiration for Mary & Joseph, and while I don't believe the legends of St. Christopher, I think his story is a beautiful representation of a dutiful Christian.

The second is for Protestants: Would you consider my use of a cross with saints on it idolatry even if I am not praying to them or asking them to pray on my behalf? It would be more of a reminder of my cultural history and good examples of Christ followers.

Then again, perhaps I am just being silly and worrying about things that don't matter. I know the issue of Saints
can be nuanced and everyone has a different view point, particularly between denominations, but I'm really curious what you all have to say. I put this under Interfaith Discussion because I really don't want this to become a debate, just a friendly sharing of viewpoints.

thanks,
Benjamin
Click to expand...

This is my little bit. The two issues Roman Catholics have with non-roman catholics is confession and communion. Only RC can take both. Orthodox Catholics can only take communion on holidays at the RC Church. They have to go to confession at their parish.

Rosary is a tool for prayer and not a sacrament. If you believe in the Saints and Saint Mary is pulling you closer to god, then by all means use it. If Catholic, I'd just be curious about your view of the saints. If protestant (outside Episc and Lutheran), I'd wonder how you can talk to god through someone else.

Unless you're talking about high evangelicals like Jehovah Witnesses and some baptists, I don't see god being mad at you by going through his son's mother to talk to him.
 
U

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
columbus said:
That looks imminently respectful to me.
Not the way Catholics typically do, but :shrug:
Tom
Click to expand...

Good idea. How do you do that, though? It wouldn't be a rosary anymore.

@Benjamin Bradley if your intent is the prayer and not the beads, why not (an idea) pray the Lord's prayer at the crucifix and then say lutheran prayers with the beads. If you believe in the intercession of the saints and St. Mary herself, I wouldn't see a difference in using the rosary as Catholics do. They are Christian prayers just some see a need to go to the saints for guidance others straight to god. The beads are a tool for prayer just as the bible or folding hands in prayer not specific rule to one denomination just by custum.
 
Benjamin Bradley

Benjamin Bradley

Member
Carlita said:
Good idea. How do you do that, though? It wouldn't be a rosary anymore.

@Benjamin Bradley if your intent is the prayer and not the beads, why not (an idea) pray the Lord's prayer at the crucifix and then say lutheran prayers with the beads. If you believe in the intercession of the saints and St. Mary herself, I wouldn't see a difference in using the rosary as Catholics do. They are Christian prayers just some see a need to go to the saints for guidance others straight to god. The beads are a tool for prayer just as the bible or folding hands in prayer not specific rule to one denomination just by custum.
Click to expand...

I personally do not believe in the intercession of the saints. Or, rather, I am not convinced of it. If further prayer and study of scripture convinces me otherwise, then I'll be open to it. As it stands now, I'd be using the four point cross more as a meditative symbol, but I'm worried that this might be problematic in itself.
 
U

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
Benjamin Bradley said:
I personally do not believe in the intercession of the saints. Or, rather, I am not convinced of it. If further prayer and study of scripture convinces me otherwise, then I'll be open to it. As it stands now, I'd be using the four point cross more as a meditative symbol, but I'm worried that this might be problematic in itself.
Click to expand...

Yeah. A meditative symbol is cool. I honestly don't see an offense since it isn't a sacrament. What I do notice, and I'm guilty of this too, is our sensitivity to religious objects and how they are handled. So, if, say, you don't want the rosary anymore, many Catholics will turn a dark eye if you throw away the crucifix. Donating it or giving it away to a friend like I did with my many rosaries is a good way to let it go.

Off topic, but yeah, use it as a meditative tool. I'd be more curious if a Muslim used it not a Christian, personally.
 
Benjamin Bradley

Benjamin Bradley

Member
Kemosloby said:
Probably the most pertinent arguement for that situation is the causing a brother to stumble. Though none of those things are really anything if someone sees you doing it and believes they are it could cause them to stumble.

Romans 14:22 Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.…
Click to expand...

Fortunately the cross is so small, barely an inch long, that someone would have to be really invading my personal space to see that it had any symbols on it. Plus, I only pray in private or at church and I wouldn't use a rosary during a church service. Even the Catholic church frowns upon that I think.
 
P

pearl

Well-Known Member
Luther's take on praying the rosary;


Whoever possesses a good (firm) faith, says the Hail Mary without danger! Whoever is weak in faith can utter no Hail Mary without danger to his salvation. (Sermon, March 11, 1523).


Our prayer should include the Mother of God.. .What the Hail Mary says is that all glory should be given to God, using these words: "Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus Christ. Amen!" You see that these words are not concerned with prayer but purely with giving praise and honor.. .We can use the Hail Mary as a meditation in which we recite what grace God has given her. Second, we should add a wish that everyone may know and respect her...He who has no faith is advised to refrain from saying the Hail Mary. (Personal Prayer Book, 1522).
 
Mark Dohle

Mark Dohle

Well-Known Member
Benjamin Bradley said:
Hello All,

I was recently given a nice handmade rope rosary. I am not Catholic, but my family on my Mom's side is traditionally Catholic and I have a lot of affection for Catholicism even if I follow a different theological path, so I would really like to use this rosary. I'm a non-denominational Christian with Evangelical and Lutheran leanings and I'd like to use the rosary in a way that is consistent with my theological beliefs. I found a Lutheran prayer guide for the rosary which I think is really cool.

The thing that I'm unsure about is that this rosary has a four way cross medal on it. Basically it's a cross with symbols for The Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Christopher and The Miraculous Medal (The Virgin Mary stepping on the serpent). I suppose I have two questions regarding this:

The first is for Catholics: Would my use of a cross with saints on it be offensive to you? Would you consider it a misuse? I have complete and total admiration for Mary & Joseph, and while I don't believe the legends of St. Christopher, I think his story is a beautiful representation of a dutiful Christian.

The second is for Protestants: Would you consider my use of a cross with saints on it idolatry even if I am not praying to them or asking them to pray on my behalf? It would be more of a reminder of my cultural history and good examples of Christ followers.

Then again, perhaps I am just being silly and worrying about things that don't matter. I know the issue of Saints
can be nuanced and everyone has a different view point, particularly between denominations, but I'm really curious what you all have to say. I put this under Interfaith Discussion because I really don't want this to become a debate, just a friendly sharing of viewpoints.

thanks,
Benjamin
Click to expand...
The Rosary is one of my favorite prayers. No two people say it alike. I would not be offended if you used that corss, why would I? If the use of beads helps you, use them. Also you can say any prayer on the beads. A short one is best, it can calm the mind and body and can lead to deep inner peace. If the mind is scattered it can help focus, all in all, it is a good way of prayer if it works.

Peace
Mark
 
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