Misconceptions: How Much Do You Really Know About Catholicism?
DEPAULIA
By Angelika Labona
ILLINOIS - Until recently, I lived in a Catholic bubble. On Ash Wednesday, when I asked a Christian friend if he was getting his ashes, he informed me Lent was a Catholic thing; I was floored. Since Catholics are fundamentally Christians, I imagined there couldn't be much of a difference between them, but after further discussions with Christians, I realized how mistaken I was. The list of differences is a long one, from praying to Mary and the saints to religious iconography in the worship space. Catholics, recognize statues and religious art as just that—artwork. They are not there to be worshipped; rather, they are symbolic reminders. For example, looking at a crucifix elicits the message of salvation—the actual object is in no way taking precedence over Jesus. We need to understand that while some concepts are clear-cut, others are multi-faceted and sometimes unexplainable. What's important is to accept our differences and keep an open mind, because when we assume, we inhibit our capacity to learn. [link]
By Angelika Labona
ILLINOIS - Until recently, I lived in a Catholic bubble. On Ash Wednesday, when I asked a Christian friend if he was getting his ashes, he informed me Lent was a Catholic thing; I was floored. Since Catholics are fundamentally Christians, I imagined there couldn't be much of a difference between them, but after further discussions with Christians, I realized how mistaken I was. The list of differences is a long one, from praying to Mary and the saints to religious iconography in the worship space. Catholics, recognize statues and religious art as just that—artwork. They are not there to be worshipped; rather, they are symbolic reminders. For example, looking at a crucifix elicits the message of salvation—the actual object is in no way taking precedence over Jesus. We need to understand that while some concepts are clear-cut, others are multi-faceted and sometimes unexplainable. What's important is to accept our differences and keep an open mind, because when we assume, we inhibit our capacity to learn. [link]
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