Answerbag: Ignatius's answers

Answer to In what year was the Council of Nicea?

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:02:54 -0800

In what year was the Council of Nicea?

First Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church, held in 325 on the occasion of the heresy of Arius (Arianism). As early as 320 or 321 St. Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, convoked a council at Alexandria at which more than one hundred bishops from Egypt and Libya anathematized Arius. The latter...

Answer to What is the name of the small, round container used to bring the consecrated hosts to the sick?

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:00:25 -0800

What is the name of the small, round container used to bring the consecrated hosts to the sick?

That would be a ciboreum and they come in different sizes but most are small,

Answer to What is the name of the stand where the scriptures are read during mass

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 02:52:41 -0800

What is the name of the stand where the scriptures are read during mass

The correct answer is Ambo. Have no idea what it means, but that's actually what it is called.

Answer to Is religion a vital part of culture?

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 02:47:59 -0800

Is religion a vital part of culture?

I would say so. Go to the library and get a book called "How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill. You'll find that it was the Irish monks and scholars who re-evengelized Europe after the barbarian hordes destroyed it all ushering in the dark ages. It was these...

Answer to Does every Biblical reference to the name "Queen of Heaven" condemn it and bring God's judgment?

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:57:10 -0800

Does every Biblical reference to the name "Queen of Heaven" condemn it and bring God's judgment?

So if there is a title shared with some pagan entity then we should not use among Christians? If that was so then we cannot obey the followiing scriptures. Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes king of kings to Esdras the priest, the most learned scribe of the law of the God of heaven, greeting. Ezechiel...

Answer to What book in the Bible refers to the Catholic Church as being the one true church?

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 14:17:05 -0800

What book in the Bible refers to the Catholic Church as being the one true church?

The presence or absence of any given word in the Bible is by no means a test of whether Christians should believe it, or use it. Cases in point: Locate the word "Trinity" in the Word of God? Locate the word "Incarnation" in the Word of God? Locate "wedding...

Answer to How does having a Catholic marriage anulled (for legitimate reason) affect the children of that marriage as far as legitimacy is concerned?

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 11:59:15 -0800

How does having a Catholic marriage anulled (for legitimate reason) affect the children of that marriage as far as legitimacy is concerned?

In no way at all. Some people try to allege that the chidren are no longer legitimate but that is wrong since the civil marriage legitmizes them and the Catholic Church recognizes that legitimacy

Answer to Where should you sit in a Catholic church if attending for the first time?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:56:22 -0800

Where should you sit in a Catholic church if attending for the first time?

Anywhere is fine. Up front where you can see and hear well is always my own preference. If you don't have a good Catholic friend to go with I even recommend calling the parish office and asking to talk to the priest and maybe ask if someone can meet you as you come in and sit with you. ...

Answer to In Catholic churches, the crucifix on the altar has Jesus' body on it, while in Protestant churches, the cross is bare. Why is this?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:45:37 -0800

In Catholic churches, the crucifix on the altar has Jesus' body on it, while in Protestant churches, the cross is bare. Why is this?

Hope of the Human Race, Victory over Satan, Cleansing of Sin, the Open Door to Heaven Answers to Protestant Objections To The Crucifix This Rock Volume 11, Number 10 October 2000 http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0010fea4.asp By Mary Beth Kremski It wasn�t until I found myself...

Answer to What are the converting rituals for Roman Catholics?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:33:44 -0800

What are the converting rituals for Roman Catholics?

How to Become a Catholic Becoming Catholic is one of life�s most profound and joyous experiences. Some are blessed enough to receive this great gift while they are infants, and, over time, they recognize the enormous grace that has been bestowed on them. Others enter the Catholic fold when...

Answer to What is the origin and significance of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:31:54 -0800

What is the origin and significance of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament?

More and better facts on Eucharistic Adoration:: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01152a.htm

Answer to What clothes did the people of the Catholic religion wear back in the 1690's?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:22:28 -0800

What clothes did the people of the Catholic religion wear back in the 1690's?

Same as everyone else.

Answer to Why do Catholics celebrate the Sabbath on Sundays rather than Saturdays?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:53:17 -0800

Why do Catholics celebrate the Sabbath on Sundays rather than Saturdays?

From Sabbath to Sunday How the Church Moved Its Holy Day This Rock Volume 10, Number 1 February 1999 By James P. Guzek When did the Church begin to worship on Sunday instead of Saturday, the Hebrew Sabbath? On this question hinges the conclusion to many arguments with...

Answer to I heard that Catholics pray to saints and angels. Is this true?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:49:46 -0800

I heard that Catholics pray to saints and angels. Is this true?

Lets get some real Catholic Answers, so we know what we're talkin' about. Praying to the Saints The historic Christian practice of asking our departed brothers and sisters in Christ�the saints�for their intercession has come under attack in the last few hundred years. Though the...

Answer to What is an indulgence?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:41:14 -0800

What is an indulgence?

Primer on Indulgences (From the Catholic Answers online library) http://www.catholic.com/library/Primer_on_Indulgences.asp Those who claim that indulgences are no longer part of Church teaching have the admirable desire to distance themselves from abuses that occurred around the time of...

Answer to Why do Catholics perform infant baptism when it isn't mentioned in the Bible?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:37:13 -0800

Why do Catholics perform infant baptism when it isn't mentioned in the Bible?

From the Catholic Answers online library . Infant Baptism Fundamentalists often criticize the Catholic Church�s practice of baptizing infants. According to them, baptism is for adults and older children, because it is to be administered only after one has undergone a "born...

Answer to Why does the Catholic Church discourage birth control?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:27:04 -0800

Why does the Catholic Church discourage birth control?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2370 * The fecundity of marriage 2366 Fecundity is a gift, an end of marriage, for conjugal love naturally tends to be fruitful. A child does not come from outside as something added on to the mutual love...

Answer to Does the Catholic Church still excommunicate people?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 06:01:00 -0800

Does the Catholic Church still excommunicate people?

From The Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1463 Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted,...

Answer to Why do Catholics believe it is okay to call a priest "father," when it says in Matthew 23:9 not to address anyone here on earth as Father for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:50:34 -0800

Why do Catholics believe it is okay to call a priest "father," when it says in Matthew 23:9 not to address anyone here on earth as Father for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father?

Here's your answer...it helps if you go with the context in your beliefs. http://www.catholic.com/library/Call_No_Man_Father.asp

Answer to When was it decreed that women could not be priests, and why? Did a pope make this rule?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:48:37 -0800

When was it decreed that women could not be priests, and why? Did a pope make this rule?

There has never been a woman Catholic priest(ess). Here's the facts Jack! http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0105fea4.asp Women and the Priesthood Can women be ordained to the priesthood? This is a question which provokes much debate in our modern world, but it is one to which the...

Answer to Why are Catholic Priests forbidden to marry?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:42:15 -0800

Why are Catholic Priests forbidden to marry?

It's time for a real Catholic Answer. http://www.catholic.com/library/Celibacy_and_the_Priesthood.asp Celibacy and the Priesthood Fundamentalist attacks on priestly celibacy come in a number of different forms�not all compatible with one another. There is almost no other subject about...

Answer to Why do Catholics believe that they can pray to saints and Mary, yet Biblically the only link between Heaven and earth is Jesus?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:27:46 -0800

Why do Catholics believe that they can pray to saints and Mary, yet Biblically the only link between Heaven and earth is Jesus?

You begin your question from a fallacious premiss. Let's clear this up... Praying to the Saints The historic Christian practice of asking our departed brothers and sisters in Christ�the saints�for their intercession has come under attack in the last few hundred years. Though the...

Answer to Why do Catholics call their priests "father"?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:20:59 -0800

Why do Catholics call their priests "father"?

The correct answer from Catholic Answers online library. http://www.catholic.com/library/Call_No_Man_Father.asp Call No Man "Father"? Many Protestants claim that when Catholics address priests as "father," they are engaging in an unbiblical practice that Jesus...

Answer to According to beliefs of the Catholic church, is the reigning pope or a saint more highly respected?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:18:14 -0800

According to beliefs of the Catholic church, is the reigning pope or a saint more highly respected?

They can actually be both. Please be sure that you understand the limited nature of Papal Infallibility and the HUGE difference between that and "impeccability". Here's a good article that covers this from the Catholic Answer online library. Papal Infallibility The...

Answer to Why do Catholics worship Mary?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 05:12:08 -0800

Why do Catholics worship Mary?

An excellent article on thsi from "This Rock" Magazine. This Rock Volume 14, Number 1 January 2003 http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0301fea3.asp How to Explain Mary to a Sola Scriptura Protestant By Dwight Longenecker What do you do when a Protestant Christian...

Answer to If God is all-loving with endless mercy, why does he cast souls into Hell for endless punishment and pain?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:52:50 -0800

If God is all-loving with endless mercy, why does he cast souls into Hell for endless punishment and pain?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church on hell and judgement. 1035 The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal...

Answer to What does the Bible say about the Catholic custom of repeating public prayers?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:46:50 -0800

What does the Bible say about the Catholic custom of repeating public prayers?

Is Jesus Against Catholic Prayers? By Kenneth J. Howell OBJECTOR: Don�t Catholics engage in many standard and repetitious prayers, both in their Masses and in their private lives? Aren�t prayers in your religious services dictated by the Church? And don�t Catholics use things like the...

Answer to Do Catholics accept Jesus Christ as their lord and savior?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:41:45 -0800

Do Catholics accept Jesus Christ as their lord and savior?

God's Love for You Something is wrong with the human race. We all sense it. Things aren't the way they should be. Not in the world. Not in our neighbors. Not in ourselves. We aren't as kind, as generous, or as loving as we should be. We do things we shouldn't. We are...

Answer to Do Catholics accept Jesus Christ as their lord and savior?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:39:19 -0800

Do Catholics accept Jesus Christ as their lord and savior?

Are Catholics Born Again? Catholics and Protestants agree that to be saved, you have to be born again. Jesus said so: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). When a Catholic says that he has been "born...

Answer to Must you be a Catholic to attend a Catholic church?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:34:02 -0800

Must you be a Catholic to attend a Catholic church?

I think that Pope John Paul II summed this issue up best in his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia. Here's a relevent excerpt on why a non-Catholic cannot receive communion in a Catholic Church. (We DO NOT have "open communion"). 43. In considering the Eucharist as the...

Answer to Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest and not directly to God asking for His forgiveness?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:25:48 -0800

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest and not directly to God asking for His forgiveness?

What the early church believed about confession: Thanks to the Catholic Answers online library. Confession Are all of our sins�past, present, and future�forgiven once and for all when we become Christians? Not according to the Bible or the early Church Fathers. Scripture nowhere states...

Answer to Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest and not directly to God asking for His forgiveness?

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 04:23:22 -0800

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest and not directly to God asking for His forgiveness?

The Forgiveness of Sins All pardon for sins ultimately comes from Christ�s finished work on Calvary, but how is this pardon received by individuals? Did Christ leave us any means within the Church to take away sin? The Bible says he gave us two means. Baptism was given to take away the...

Answer to Why are statues of Jesus not regarded as "graven images"; forbidden by the third commandment? (Exodus 20:4)

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:59:24 -0800

Why are statues of Jesus not regarded as "graven images"; forbidden by the third commandment? (Exodus 20:4)

Comcerning "icons" the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say: Holy images 1159 The sacred image, the liturgical icon, principally represents Christ. It cannot represent the invisible and incomprehensible God, but the incarnation of the Son of God has ushered in a new...

Answer to To what specifically does the term "Original Sin" refer?

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:53:18 -0800

To what specifically does the term "Original Sin" refer?

On original sin....the Catechism of the Catholic Church says thus: Paragraph 7. THE FALL 385 God is infinitely good and all his works are good. Yet no one can escape the experience of suffering or the evils in nature which seem to be linked to the limitations proper to creatures: and above...

Answer to What is the Catholic church's stand on homosexuals?

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:46:14 -0800

What is the Catholic church's stand on homosexuals?

Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about homosexuality. It was one of the most charitable and clear statements about this "grave disorder" I have read by ANY branch of Christainity. Do a google search on the organization called COURAGE... Chastity and...

Answer to Is it true that Catholics are taught to believe in purgatory and limbo, and is there a biblical basis for this?

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:36:57 -0800

Is it true that Catholics are taught to believe in purgatory and limbo, and is there a biblical basis for this?

Since some folks haven't read up on what the actual teaching on purgatory is and allege that it is no longer taught since Vatican II (Sorry Jan but you are wrong about this.) I am giving you here the exact quote from the Vatican's own online copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church...

Answer to Approximately how many different Christian denominations are there?

Sun, 27 Mar 2005 22:54:02 -0800

Approximately how many different Christian denominations are there?

There are varying estimates but most say there are between 20,000 and 30,000 different n-C denoms right now. Most are nothing more that schisms of schisms of schisms and NOT ONE can trace it's roots back beyond the deformation of 1517. They will say they can, but if one simply reads an...

Answer to Why does the Catholic Bible have different chapters than the King James version of the Bible?

Sat, 26 Mar 2005 09:03:51 -0800

Why does the Catholic Bible have different chapters than the King James version of the Bible?

Here is a good answer from Mark Shea: "5 Myths about 7 Books" Here are the answers to five common arguments Protestants give for rejecting the Deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament By Mark Shea People don't talk much about the deuterocanon these days. The folks who do...

Answer to Which is considered proof of resurrection, the crucifix or sign of the cross? This is a homework question for my granddaughter.

Sat, 26 Mar 2005 08:59:33 -0800

Which is considered proof of resurrection, the crucifix or sign of the cross? This is a homework question for my granddaughter.

This is a really oddly worded question, but of the two choices I would have to say the Sign Of the Cross because it is the simplest of our prayers and yet the most complex in all that it means. It speaks of the Christian doctrines of the trinity, the diety of each member of the Trinity and since...

Answer to Are all Christian denominations considered to have branched off from Catholicism?

Fri, 25 Mar 2005 02:32:40 -0800

Are all Christian denominations considered to have branched off from Catholicism?

Time for some historical facts and some truth instead of all that anti-Catholic rhetoric. The C of C, SDA, etc all have an ignoble history of bashing the Catholic Church and most of their rhetoric is so far from any semblance of truth that most of us don't even try to do more than offer the...

Answer to Is Easter a Christian holiday?

Fri, 25 Mar 2005 01:52:34 -0800

Is Easter a Christian holiday?

The truth about Easter! The actual entries for the Catholic Encyclopedia are listed below. I recommend that you get your information from real Catholics and from real Catholic sites like Catholic Answers. See this: http://catholicfirst.com/thefaith/churchfathers/volume01/ignatius06.cfm ...

Answer to Are there any saints mentioned in the Bible who lost that status by a declaration of the pope?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 15:12:14 -0800

Are there any saints mentioned in the Bible who lost that status by a declaration of the pope?

NOPE

Answer to Why do Catholics pray to the Saints and to Mary?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 15:02:45 -0800

Why do Catholics pray to the Saints and to Mary?

Most of the posts about this topic so far are grossly biased and in error, especially concerning the Blessed Virgim Mary. 1. Catholics do not replace Jesus with his mother. She is NOT worshipped, she is revered, though a great many people who hate the Church will tell you lies about this, and...

Answer to Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of confessing to God?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:38:14 -0800

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of confessing to God?

"Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest instead of confessing to God?" You misunderstand the whole NT doctrine of reconcilation. Please have a look at these links to get a clear and accurate answer to your question. The fact is that Catholics consider confession to be...

Answer to Should you say The Act of Contrition out loud where the Priest can hear or should you read it to yourself?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:29:05 -0800

Should you say The Act of Contrition out loud where the Priest can hear or should you read it to yourself?

This is optional, but you should ask the priest at that time. some encourage you to do so before you even get in there...like at a parish reconciliation service when there are lots of people going.

Answer to Should you go to confession when you miss Mass?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:26:25 -0800

Should you go to confession when you miss Mass?

Absolutely! ASAP! Please see this answer from a priest at Catholic Answers when I asked that same question. http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=22511

Answer to Can I take communion each week, even though I was married in a different church and am now divorced?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:08:21 -0800

Can I take communion each week, even though I was married in a different church and am now divorced?

Short answer: No, but you need to see your pastor and let him help you with the anulment stuff. Let him guide you concerning this. One of the best online sources for accurate answers to this type of question is in the Ask An Apologist forum at the Catholic Answers website (www.catholic.com).

Answer to If a priest resigns from the priesthood can he still say Mass privately?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:53:34 -0800

If a priest resigns from the priesthood can he still say Mass privately?

No...that priest has returned to the laity and all his priestly functions are suspended.

Answer to Can a lay person give a dying priest Extreme Unction if there is no priest available to perform the sacrament?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:51:41 -0800

Can a lay person give a dying priest Extreme Unction if there is no priest available to perform the sacrament?

No...in the case you mention that is impossible because a lay person cannot hear his confession and give him absolution...the priest would also want the Eucharist and unless he just happened to have it handy (unlikely, tho possible) a lay person wouldn't have it either. The lay person can...

Answer to When was Catholicism established?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:23:48 -0800

When was Catholicism established?

Pentecost is considered the birthday of the church because until that time they were afraid and in hiding. That would make the beginning of the Catholic Church in about 33 AD. During the early years, between 33 and about 107 the name Catholic (meaning "universal" in Greek) came into...

Answer to What is the cross worn by a bishop or abbot?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:54:12 -0800

What is the cross worn by a bishop or abbot?

To the best of my knowlege that is simply a symbol of his commitment to follow Christ, but it's called a pectoral cross because of where it hangs.

Answer to What is the staff used by a bishop as a symbol of office?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:51:53 -0800

What is the staff used by a bishop as a symbol of office?

It is meant to resemble and symbolize his position as the shepherd of his folks in his diocese. And his intention to follow after Jesus and be a good shepherd. It is called a "Crozier" and is basically a fancy shepherd's staff.

Answer to Where does the word Catholic come from?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:50:03 -0800

Where does the word Catholic come from?

It was the name of the original Christian church and we can prove this from the writings of St. Ignatius of antioch, who was a close friend and disciple of St John (the last apostle to die, near the end of the 1st century). Very soon after that time Ignatius wrote this letter to the church at...

Answer to Historically, how did the Church justify its persecution of heretics?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:38:55 -0800

Historically, how did the Church justify its persecution of heretics?

There is nothing to Justify...your history is biased and inaccurate. You are baiting a question about the inquisition, which was nothing more than investigation of heresies...the abuses were done by civil governments and were in fact stopped by papal threat of excommunication if the civil...

Answer to Is there such thing as an exorcism? If so, who are they performed on and why?

Sun, 20 Mar 2005 00:14:19 -0800

Is there such thing as an exorcism? If so, who are they performed on and why?

Yes there is such a thing as excorcisms What you refer to is something more along the lines of casting out demons. That exists too and there are specific priests who handle this since its is nothing to play with. The Catholic Church is very very careful about these things since there are...

Answer to Why are statues of Jesus not regarded as "graven images"; forbidden by the third commandment? (Exodus 20:4)

Sat, 19 Mar 2005 23:41:45 -0800

Why are statues of Jesus not regarded as "graven images"; forbidden by the third commandment? (Exodus 20:4)

Revelator is wrong (again...and as usual with regard to the Catholic Church) This is exactly what the commandment says about images in Deuteronomy 5:8-9, "8 Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of any things, that are in heaven above, or that are in the earth...

Answer to What does the term purgatory mean?

Sat, 19 Mar 2005 23:00:04 -0800

What does the term purgatory mean?

Here is one very clear passage that implicitly shows that a place of "purging" or paying off does indeed exist... Matt 5:23-26 "23 If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee; 24 Leave there thy offering...