Religion

hedgehog

(36,286 posts)

1. For me, it's based on the notion that heaven is as much a state of mind

Tue Apr 24, 2012, 12:24 PM

Apr 2012

as a place. C.S. Lewis covered this in a couple of his books - the notion that sinners would be so self absorbed that they couldn't see the joys of Heaven. If you think people can still improve themselves on the other side, then you can pray for them there just as you would pray for someone on this side.

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Why do people pray for the dead? What is the goal? [View all] ZombieHorde Apr 2012 OP

For me, it's based on the notion that heaven is as much a state of mind hedgehog Apr 2012 #1

So you are asking God to help the person see the error of their ways? nt ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #43

Yes, as opposed to banking prayers in some sort of celestial hedgehog Apr 2012 #58

That's my understanding. Catholics have purgatory as a stopping place for the souls Lint Head Apr 2012 #2

This is not something I am that familiar with, but I can think of two possible reasons. cbayer Apr 2012 #3

Exactly how I see it. emilyg Apr 2012 #4

This right here is why you need to not make comments about what religion is like in this country. Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #9

After the Tsunami tama Apr 2012 #11

During Katrina, I offered what many might consider prayers as well. cbayer Apr 2012 #15

Few years ago tama Apr 2012 #22

I had an experience like that grasswire Apr 2012 #24

Was it a positive experience? cbayer Apr 2012 #26

I couldn't explain it. I just watched for a long time. grasswire Apr 2012 #41

What a wonderful story. It gave me goosebumps. cbayer Apr 2012 #42

I've had a very similar experience tama Apr 2012 #34

Givem the choice between his/her perspective and yours... brooklynite Apr 2012 #12

Hmmm, why do Catholics pray for the dead? Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #16

Please point to which is the official position, as opposed to somebody else's opinion... brooklynite Apr 2012 #35

I'd probably start with the Catholic Encyclopedia for a solid Catholic viewpoint. n/t Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #38

It's good to find out what people who call themselves Catholics hedgehog Apr 2012 #57

This is almost funny, for you Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #18

Are you telling me I am not familiar with religion? Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #20

Instead of tama Apr 2012 #23

That was neither anger nor bitterness. Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #25

OK tama Apr 2012 #28

My Catholic past is certainly my past, but I harbor no ill toward it. Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #30

I was married for 20 years tama Apr 2012 #36

Might a catholic minor seminary is not a place to understand the grand scope of religious thought. Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #27

At least they have you Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #29

Hardly me! They happen to be persons full of curiosity--which may be the mark of an educated man Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #31

That was sarcasm, btw. n/t Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #32

So the person praying is letting the deceased know he or she is loved and missed? ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #44

That could be it. Does a prayer have to be to a deity by definition? cbayer Apr 2012 #49

I was thinking about monotheism when I asked the question, not just the RCC. ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #53

For the same reason people pray for anything... Speck Tater Apr 2012 #5

Yep, they also think they can fool God tularetom Apr 2012 #8

You got that right! +1 nt Speck Tater Apr 2012 #40

Pointless.. atheous Apr 2012 #6

i think it is more the comfort of connecting with the person lost seabeyond Apr 2012 #7

The act itself is the goal? ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #45

personally seabeyond Apr 2012 #48

That is how many occultists feel about prayer. nt ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #51

hm... i dont know about that seabeyond Apr 2012 #52

My father is an occultist, and some of my friends are occultists, and their opinion ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #54

i just dont know anything about occultists seabeyond Apr 2012 #55

To control the living. xfundy Apr 2012 #10

Don't you remember the communion of saints? rug Apr 2012 #13

Catholics pray for the souls of their ancestors, to free them from purgatory Starboard Tack Apr 2012 #14

Leaving aside those who see religion as only some sort of manipulation of God or superstition, who Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #17

If you are going to bring up the communion of saints Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #19

Thus the Protestant reformation. Hardly a blip on the radar. Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #33

Let's not go off on indulgences. rug Apr 2012 #37

Funniest thing I've read from you all week. n/t Goblinmonger Apr 2012 #39

So for you, saying the prayer fulfills the goal? ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #46

"Therapeutic results" is far too clinical a description. nt Thats my opinion Apr 2012 #47

By "therapeutic results," I mean praying for the deceased helps one through the grieving process. ZombieHorde Apr 2012 #50

further, what does "safe passage" mean? grasswire Apr 2012 #21

It's a superstition found in all societies. Odin2005 Apr 2012 #56