P.S. A middle position
Submitted by Dirk Gently on February 21 2000 at 02:25:17
In reply to Re: What do Catholics believe? Submitted by Heather on February 19 2000 at 22:19:24
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So basically, it's an argument over whether physical objects, once the proper rites have been done, have independent power to confer grace, or whether the power to confer grace exists wholly within the person who is using the objects – that is, whether the objects are purely symbolic. How about this? "Grace" is nothing other than the sanctifying presence of God. No thing or person has independent power to "confer" grace. (That was the mistake of Simon the magician in Acts.) I would rephrase the question, "Is it possible for God to use material objects to contribute to our salvation and healing?" The book of Acts in particular commends itself for study, as does the Pentateuch. Dirk |