Are Catholics The Biggest WooWoo's

[SteveW]

Are they the biggest woo woo's of them all? What I mean is most of the "miracles" of the saints, if they happened today, would be ridiculed as woo woo stuff. For example:

Cryptozoology: We have at least two saints who killed dragons. Do Catholics honestly believe they were dragons?

Levitation: Plenty of flying guys that are saints.

Visions: A female to male crossdresser that hears voices of dead saints? Today we would lock her in a looney bin instead of making her a saint. Of maybe the term "Crossing Over" actually is talking about this kink.

Teleportation: I forget the nun, but she was able to teleport herself and objects to the new world to minister to the heathens.

Healing: Most stigmata bearers were healers.

Do most Catholics accept these saints powers as real? If they do, do they believe in the modern woo woo stuff.

I have never been around many devout Catholics so I really don't have experience in the strength of these beliefs.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Transsubstantiation and Saint veneration cannot hold a candle to the woo wooism of Wicca, VooDoo and Hinduism. And to my awareness, there's no Jesuit strain of any of those three.

[ceo_esq]

Speaking subject to correction from any Catholics ...

Cryptozoology: St. George was an actual knight who owes his sainthood to the fact that he was martyred. The dragon bit is recognized as legend. I'm not sure who the other saint is that you're referring to.

Visions: We all know how Joan of Arc met her end. She was only canonized in the 20th century. So ironically, it's closer to the truth to say that it was back then that she was locked up for being a delusional cross-dresser (among other things), and today that she was made a saint.

Teleportation: I think I know vaguely whom you're talking about - some 17th century Spanish nun. She's not a saint, and I recall that much the stuff she wrote was formally rejected by the Church.

Healing: I think most Catholics actually do believe that lots of important figures in their religion (including Jesus, of course) had divinely-bestowed healing powers.

Of course, as I understand it, Catholic doctrine does not formally require that anyone believe that a saint did or did not do any particular thing. I think the Catholic Church recognizes to a large extent the phenomenon of apocryphal religious legend (which often, though certainly not always, involves miracles), especially where saints are concerned. Here's an interesting excerpt from the online Catholic Encyclopedia (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09128a.htm) article on "Legends of the Saints" (written about a century ago):As by this time it had unfortunately happened that the stories of the saints were supplemented and embellished by the people according to their primitive theological conceptions and inclinations, the legend became to a large extent fiction. ... In the usage of the Catholic Church and of the people, the legend plays the same part today as in the Middle Ages. Here also science has taught that distinctions are to be made. Thus it was felt that not all the legends we possess were of equal value, and especially that the editions of the lives of the saints were entirely unsatisfactory.This is undoubtedly part of the reason why the Catholic Church is generally quite reluctant to give public recognition to alleged post-apostolic miracles of saints, and never does so "infallibly" or otherwise makes such miracles articles of the faith.

[Hexxenhammer]

I have many problems with the Catholic Church but they are supporters of science for the most part I believe. The vatican has an observatory I think and fund astronomical research.

[triadboy]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
I have many problems with the Catholic Church but they are supporters of science for the most part I believe. The vatican has an observatory I think and fund astronomical research.

Yes, the Vatican is building an observatory here in Tucson, AZ. Which is strange, because anything they discover will lay the framework for the nullification of the nitwit book they adhere to!

[arcticpenguin]

Don't count out the Mormons for mythology. They keep all the Judeo-Christian stuff, and add a heaping helping of the Book of Mormon, and the whole Christians in pre-Columbian new World BS (for which there is absolutely zero archaeological evidence).

[ceo_esq]

Originally posted by Hexxenhammer
I have many problems with the Catholic Church but they are supporters of science for the most part I believe. The vatican has an observatory I think and fund astronomical research. I've heard about the observatory, too. And let's not forget the world's most elite scientific consulting body: the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acdscien/own/documents/rc_pa_acdscien_doc_20020103_academicians_en.html). Eighty scientists - a third with Nobel Prizes to their names; the rest luminaries such as Hawking - assembled by the pope to advise the Church on scientific matters and to promote science generally. To their credit, I think the Catholics don't kid around as far as their commitment to scientific learning is concerned.

EDITED TO ADD: Can't get the link to work. Here it is:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acdscien/own/documents/rc_pa_acdscien_doc_20020103_academicians_en.html

[shemp]

Originally posted by ceo_esq
Teleportation: I think I know vaguely whom you're talking about - some 17th century Spanish nun. She's not a saint, and I recall that much the stuff she wrote was formally rejected by the Church.

Actually, this is who he had in mind:

[ceo_esq]

Originally posted by shemp


Actually, this is who he had in mind: LOL

Obviously a disciple of St. Bernoulli.

[HarryKeogh]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
Don't count out the Mormons for mythology. They keep all the Judeo-Christian stuff, and add a heaping helping of the Book of Mormon, and the whole Christians in pre-Columbian new World BS (for which there is absolutely zero archaeological evidence).

i agree with the penguin. mormons are wack-jobs. it reads like science fiction right out of the movies

i think it's as crazy as scientology but it's readily accepted by society (at least by the people who havent looked into the religion, i've explained it's belief system to friends and they didnt believe me until i e-mailed them more info)

[Brown]

There are a lot of level-headed Catholics who shake their heads at all the woo-woo stuff associated with their religion.

The church seems to tolerate and accommodate a lot of these goofball beliefs, however, because doing so maintains membership in the church. If the church embraced rationality and disavowed all the frivolous miracle nonsense, then a lot of "Jesus in a tortilla" believers would likely break off to form their own church (resulting in a serious loss of influence and revenue for the Catholic church).

[TruthSeeker]

Originally posted by triadboy


Yes, the Vatican is building an observatory here in Tucson, AZ. Which is strange, because anything they discover will lay the framework for the nullification of the nitwit book they adhere to!


I may be wrong, but when I was in Catholic high school, we were taught that Catholics do not adhere to a literal interpretation of the bible. The stories were just that - stories, fables, images for teaching some greater truth. We were taught evolution etc. in science class.

My sense of it, but again, please correct me if I'm wrong, is that as archaic and troubling as the Catholic church is, they have much more tolerance for science and do not believe that God "only" speaks through the bible. I remember one priest saying that scientific research teaches us more and more about God's creation so that our understanding may be refined.

[arcticpenguin]

You are right, Catholicism is not a Fundamentalist religion. They are OK with evolution for sure.

On the other hand, you have Lourdes, Fatima, the virgin mary apeparing in window condensation, the Pope praying for rain and canonizing some very questionable people...

Even looking past the lunatic fringe, the Catholic church also touts a dualist version of transubstantiation, the virgin birth, etc.

[TruthSeeker]

AP,

It's funny when you list it, how superstitious it all seems. Surprising to me now, that isn't why I left the church. It was because of the inequality of women, intolerance of homosexuality, ban on birthcontrol even for the poor, rich church-poor congregant discrepancy, "infallibility" of the Pope.

There are good things about Catholicism too, I'm sure.

[Suddenly]

Originally posted by TruthSeeker
AP,


There are good things about Catholicism too, I'm sure.

Yes. Since their communion wafers and wine actually turn into the flesh and blood of Christ, Catholic communion is not only lower in carbohydrate content than protestant communion, it has more protein as well.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Suddenly


Yes. Since their communion wafers and wine actually turn into the flesh and blood of Christ, Catholic communion is not only lower in carbohydrate content than protestant communion, it has more protein as well.
That's where the dualism comes in. I think they acknowledge that the actual molecules of the wafer and wine don't change, but the "essence" of the wafer and wine change into that of the body and blood of Christ. Perhaps someone who actually cares can fill us in on the official position.

[Yahzi]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
You are right, Catholicism is not a Fundamentalist religion. They are OK with evolution for sure.

Eh, not so fast.

I found a Catholic web site (MarianLand.com, I think it was) that was selling anti-evolution books. When I emailed them and asked why were doing that, given that the Pope said evolution was ok, they said something to the effect of "we disagree with the Pope on this."

:eek:

Catholics are woo-woos, but they aren't the biggest woo-woos.

[TruthSeeker]

Originally posted by Yahzi

Eh, not so fast.

I found a Catholic web site (MarianLand.com, I think it was) that was selling anti-evolution books. When I emailed them and asked why were doing that, given that the Pope said evolution was ok, they said something to the effect of "we disagree with the Pope on this."

:eek:

Catholics are woo-woos, but they aren't the biggest woo-woos.


You aren't allowed to disagree with the Pope. Oh my...damnation ahead ;)

[Gregor]

Catholic Church today? OK maybe holding the reigns on woo-woos in the congregation.

Catholic Church of a millenium ago? Don't know - maybe at the forefront of unbelievable beliefs or maybe again a governer to credulous individuals. However, my unresearched opinion is that things like flying houses of Jesus, trade in true crosses, bones of saints, etc. were church (if not pontiff) sponsored.

[Suddenly]

(I can't resist)


The biggest woo-woo's?

Fire Trucks.

Much bigger than police cars or ambulances.

Am I missing something bigger that goes "woo woo?"

A building with an alarm system maybe?

[fishbob]

Are Catholics The Biggest WooWoo's You would not even have to ask this question if you had ever attended a fundamentalist, charismatic, evangelical church service. Speaking in tongues, snake handling, faith healing, flopping around on the floor under the influence of the spirit of the Lord. Makes it difficult to keep a straight face, but very informative about the level of silliness that goes on in some organized religions.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Suddenly
(I can't resist)


The biggest woo-woo's?

Fire Trucks.

Much bigger than police cars or ambulances.

Am I missing something bigger that goes "woo woo?"

A building with an alarm system maybe?
Trains.

And Raelians.

[Silicon]

The biggest woo woo is Bubb Rubb.

http://bubbrubb.isgreat.tv/woowoo.gif

[triadboy]

Originally posted by HarryKeogh
i think it's as crazy as scientology but it's readily accepted by society (at least by the people who havent looked into the religion, i've explained it's belief system to friends and they didnt believe me until i e-mailed them more info)

Xians sure don't like them. They crack me up!

[triadboy]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TruthSeeker
I may be wrong, but when I was in Catholic high school, we were taught that Catholics do not adhere to a literal interpretation of the bible. The stories were just that - stories, fables, images for teaching some greater truth. We were taught evolution etc. in science class.

Perhaps they realize the juggernaut that is science will not wait for them to catch up now. In the old days, learning went on holiday when the Pope disagreed with something, but that dog won't hunt now. (Although they still frown at condoms) Science marches on.

The Vatican got burned with Galileo. They even got burned by Martin Luther. While not science, Luther opened up the Latin books to scrutiny and showed how misinterpretation works.

I wasn't aware that catholics were taught evolution. I have always heard, though, that of all the religions, Catholics are the ones least familiar with the bible.

[triadboy]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin

That's where the dualism comes in. I think they acknowledge that the actual molecules of the wafer and wine don't change, but the "essence" of the wafer and wine change into that of the body and blood of Christ. Perhaps someone who actually cares can fill us in on the official position.

I've always heard it is a miracle every Sunday. You might as well be chompin' on his leg and suckin' his paper cut, because the wafer and wine are Jesus.

[Voob]

No, just the biggest hypocrites.

[c4ts]

Of the 4 Catholics I know, 1 is a total woo-woo, 1 is a total skeptic, and the other two are pretty normal. No, the biggest woo-woo's come from CREATIONISM! DEMONS EXIST BUT E.T. DON'T BCAUSE GAWD DIDN'T MAKE NO DISCO FEVER QUANTUM BACKSTREET ALIENS, END OF STORY, THE WORLD IS FLAT, THE SUBJECT IS CLOSED, DINOSAURS IS STILL ALVIE TODAY!!!!

[a_unique_person]

The Catholic Church is quite big, so there is an amazing spectrum of beliefs. Right from my Marian worshipping cousin in law to hard nut Jesuits to the hordes that manage to force themselves along to church on Sunday evening for the last mass, when the priest makes it a pretty quick service because he knows they like it that way.

I was taught a straight science course at school, including evolution. As someone pointed out, the Catholic Church has been burned before, so anything that is scientifically proven is not questioned.

However, I do remember watching the priest, as an altar boy, and after learning about atoms. He would thoroughly clean the golden plate and cup that was used to hold the 'holy' hosts, or wafers, that had become Jesus. He did a very good job of it, but I wondered if he knew that, no matter how hard he tried, there were atoms that had become changed to Jesus that were being missed by him.

[Some Friggin Guy]

(I can't resist)


The biggest woo-woo's?

Fire Trucks.

Much bigger than police cars or ambulances.

Am I missing something bigger that goes "woo woo?"

A building with an alarm system maybe?

An Emergency Alert Siren?