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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
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