Saint Veneration and Ancestor Veneration, what's the difference?

[Rainbow Mage]

Is there one, or do Christians just play semantics games to make there be one?

What's the difference in seeking the aid of a saint you believe is alive in Christ and seeking the aid of an ancestor you think is alive in an afterlife realm?

 

[emptybe]

Is there one, or do Christians just play semantics games to make there be one?

What's the difference in seeking the aid of a saint you believe is alive in Christ and seeking the aid of an ancestor you think is alive in an afterlife realm?

I believe there is no difference between the two. I also don't see much of a difference between praying to "patron" saints and praying to pantheon gods.

 

[Engyo]

Mostly there are lots more ancestors than there are saints (discounting football fans, of course).

 

[fallingblood]

I believe there is no difference between the two. I also don't see much of a difference between praying to "patron" saints and praying to pantheon gods.

The main difference is, as explained to me by a priest, is that when a person prays to a saint, it's not like when they pray to God. It is more similar to when someone asks a friend to pray for them. But in this case, they are asking a Saint to basically pray for them. The logic is that Saints are closer to God than we are. So by asking them to pray for you, it is just a way to get better help, in a way.

 

[Koldo]

In such cases, I wonder how God could make a distinction between a saint and a non saint prayer. I mean, given the very SAME prayer, how could one of those parts be given more attention than the other?

 

[Penumbra]

Is there one, or do Christians just play semantics games to make there be one?

What's the difference in seeking the aid of a saint you believe is alive in Christ and seeking the aid of an ancestor you think is alive in an afterlife realm?

There doesn't seem to be much of a difference to me. Saints are just ancestors that go through some bureaucratic selection process. For some reason, many people feel the need to connect to other people to meet their own needs.

I don't see why, if one believes in an almighty god, it would make sense to pray to a middle man. The logic seems to imply that god is fairly impersonal, contrary to what many in the religion would say.

 

[fallingblood]

In such cases, I wonder how God could make a distinction between a saint and a non saint prayer. I mean, given the very SAME prayer, how could one of those parts be given more attention than the other?

It's not necessarily more attention, but better directed. Just think about it. If you were to have some one on Earth, a friend or family, pray for you, there's some distance. Now, a Saint is right there in heaven, not a long distance at all from God.

Really though, it's just having one more person pray for an individual. Not saying I agree with it, but I can understand the thinking.

 

[Koldo]

Most people believe that God is omnipresent. He is not just in Heavens, but rather, everywhere. Which means the distance between "God and us" and "God and Saints" is , in fact, the same. The only possible difference is the Saints being able to perceive God's existence in a better way. Also, prayers are not like cars or airplanes which take some time to reach their destinations. Rather, prayers are seen like a "live" conversation with God, just like as if you were talking to him in the telephone.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

No difference at all.

My ancestors may not have been Saints, but how many of the declared Saints are actually Saints.
I would suggest a member of a family is more likely to speak up for his own.