Why do Catholics pray to the dead? Or do they? Is the common claim true that states “Catholics practice necromancy”? Nope.
Deacon Frederick Bartels
September 14, 2009
One area of misunderstanding between Catholics and our Protestant brethren is the subject of praying to the saints. Catholics are occasionally charged with “praying to the dead,” which gives rise to dark images of seances and Ouija boards. On a lesser but sill serious note, Catholics are accused of “unbiblical” behavior as they “conjure up relationships” with the dead.
These ideas, though, are simply the result of misunderstanding, anti-Catholic propaganda, and a lack of awareness of those areas of Scripture which clearly show that Christians maintain a relationship with others who have already passed into eternal life with Christ. There are several facts that need be established:
1) When Catholics pray to a saint in heaven they are not worshiping him.
Rather, they are simply communicating their prayer requests, through Christ, as living members of Christ’s Mystical Body. Certainly our Protestant brethren will agree that Catholics know the difference between worshiping God and asking some favor, through Christian prayer, of the saints!
Read: why I left the Catholic Church.
St. Paul asked the saints to pray for him: Rom 15:30; Col 4:3; 1 Thess 5:25; Eph 6:18-19; 2 Thess 3:1. Certainly we too can ask the saints to pray for us.
Christ is the vine and we are the branches, both the living and the dead in Christ are connected to each other (see Jn 15:1-5).
2) Catholics ask the saints to intercede for them; i.e., pray to the Triune God on their behalf.
The saints are not dead, but alive in heaven. Further, they see God face to face. Is it not wonderful that they can pray to God for us and with us? What Christian would deny others from praying on his behalf? None, of course. We all ask others to pray for us. Why is it considered “unbiblical” when Catholics ask their Christian brothers and sisters in heaven to pray for them?
The saints are alive in heaven: “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mk 12:26-27).
The angels and saints place the prayers of the holy ones at God’s feet (Tob 12:12; Rev 5:8; 8:3-4).
Christians are bound in a community of mutual love (Rom 12:10; 1 Thess 5:11; Gal 6:2).
3) The tradition of praying to the saints dates to the very first Christians.
Therefore we can be certain that it has always been considered an integral, normal part of life as a Christian. It is mainly since the Reformation, when protestors against the Catholic Church in communion with Rome sought to attack Catholic doctrine and Tradition, that praying to the saints was rejected.
As one example among many, Origen (185-254 A.D.), wrote: “But not the high priest [Christ] alone prays for those who pray sincerely, but also the angels . . . as also the souls of the saints who have already fallen asleep” (Prayer 11 [A.D. 233]).
4) Most Protestants recite the Apostles’ Creed, in which we state, “I believe in . . . the communion of saints.”
Yet, unfortunately, most of our Protestant brethren do not know that “communion of saints” means simply that committed followers of Christ exist as a community of believers, both the living on earth and the living in heaven. Catholics understand this bond of unity as the Mystical Body of Christ.
Some say . . .
“Catholics practice necromancy, communicating with the dead, which is condemned by Scripture” (Dt 18;10-11).
Not so. Necromancy means to summon forth spirits from the underworld in order to converse with them and gain secret knowledge. Thus, to practice necromancy is to perhaps call forth demons. Catholics are not conjuring forth the spirits of the underworld or attempting to communicate in any “spiritualistic” way; i.e., as with New Age, non-Christian “spirituality.” We do not seek secret knowledge from the saints but their prayers of intercession.
Further, the saints are not the dead of the underworld, but the living in heaven with Christ (see Mk 12:26-27). Jesus conversed with Elijah and Moses, certainly they were not the dead of the underworld! (Mk 9:4).
“1 Tim 2:5 states there is one mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus. Prayer to the saints is in violation of Christ as the one mediator.”
However, St. Peter tells us that Christians share in the one, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). To share in Christ’s priesthood is, also, to share in his mediatorship. We share Christ’s priesthood both in heaven and on earth.
“The saints in heaven can’t hear us.”
They most certainly can hear us. Heb 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded “by a cloud of witnesses.” The saints in heaven are not bound by the constraints of time and space, as are we. They see God face to face in heaven: it is through the Beatific Vision that they are aware of the prayers from the earthly faithful. (see 1 Cor 13:12; 1 Jn 3:2).
Catholics say . . .
“The Tradition of intercessory prayer to the saints is biblical and appropriate.”
It is clear that intercessory prayer to the saints is both biblical and appropriate, as well as a traditional, historical practice which links the Catholics of today with those who lived shortly after the Crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The communion of the saints is an element of the fullness of truth found within the Catholic Church which dates back two-thousand years to the Twelve and to Christ himself. For the most part, it is only after the Protestant Reformation that intercessory prayer through the saints became so widely misunderstood. Nevertheless, our relationship with the saints, whose lives offer us wonderful Christian example and who marched in front for Christ, serves to strengthen our own journey toward eternal beatitude. This is accomplished through their prayerful intercessory aid. We are one Body, heaven and earth united under one head: Christ our Lord.
Photo credit: Gunnvor Karita, wikimedia commons.
Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo. He holds an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry, is a member of the theology faculty at Catholic International University, and is a Catholic educator, public speaker, and evangelist who strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. For more, visit YouTube, iTunes and Twitter.
Are you so foolish to think that Paul was asking DEAD saints to pray for him? In the Bible, it is very clear that saints were those who obeyed the gospel as preached by Peter and Paul. Paul asked THOSE LIVING SAINTS TO PRAY FOR HIM – NOT DEAD ONES! They absolutely preached Death, (repentence), Burial (buried in baptism) and Resurrection (the infilling of the Holy Spirit). Paul thought it so important to preach the same as the first Apostles that he said “I went to Jerusalem to confer with those of reputation, lest I was teaching the wrong gospel” (Galatians 1:18 and Acts 15:1-4).. He also said anyone who preaches any other gospel is accursed -even if an angel from heaven preaches any other gospel). You people absolutely put dead saints and even Mary before Jesus since you ask them to intercede for you. Are you so foolish as to not know that when the curtain in the temple was split open, THAT MEANT EVERYONE COULD GO BOLDLY TO JESUS’ THRONE WITH THEIR PETITIONS. To go anywhere else is Idolatry!!
Dear Judy,
You keep using the phrase “dead saints,” as if once a saint has died, they are somehow separated from the rest of the body of Christ, as if Christ’s body is divided between earth and heaven. So, saints (dead?) in heaven have no connection to the faithful on earth? And they could care less about shoring us up by their intercession? Do you think God desires there to be this kind of a disconnect among his living people? Apparently, it seems you’re saying that the people of God are not really one people, but a people shattered by death.
One main element of sainthood is found in participating in the mediatorship of Christ because Christians, whether living on earth or in heaven, are members of his one body. Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. Surely he expects his brethren, including the saints in heaven, to do the same for us sinners on earth.
It’s also telling how you seem to think that praying to the saints for their intercession (which is simply about having a relationship with the heavenly members of Christ and asking them to pray to God on our behalf) equates to idolatry. Idolatry is defined as worshipping something as God that is not God. Catholics do not worship the saints. We honor them (which is just) and we seek their help (which is Christian). Unfortunately, you’re operating from a Protestant mindset and reading into scripture that same mindset. Nowhere does scripture forbid asking the saints to offer prayers to God on our behalf. Nowhere does scripture indicate that the saints do not carry out that role. Nowhere does scripture say that a “dead saint” can no longer intercede for men on earth.
You see, Catholics believe in adhering to the full context of scripture. We believe in more, not less. We believe in a both/and approach, not an either/or approach when it comes to intercession. We do go straight to God. We also go to the saints. After all, we’re all one connected family. That’s what the doctrine of the communion of saints means.
The fact is, Christians (members of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church) have been asking the saints in heaven to intercede on their behalf for centuries before Protestantism ever saw the light of day. Did their practices and historical traditions, supported by scripture, suddenly become “idolatry” after Martin Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and other revolutionaries in the 16th century decided to break from the Church?
A study of history and the teaching of the first Christians will lead you to this fact: the first Christians were Catholic. And they most certainly believed in asking the saints in heaven for their prayers.
In any case, the so-called worship of saints has long been a Protestant objection against Catholicism. Since saintly intercession cannot be proved wrong by scripture (but is supported by it), it boils down to this: who is one’s authority? His own interpretation of the bible, or the one (in the singular) Church Christ founded on St. Peter? (see Matthew 16:17-19).
I hope you come across this verses because of your credentials. If not let be the truth be preach.
We know we will die, but the dead don’t know a thing. Nothing good will happen to them—they are gone and forgotten. Their loves, their hates, and their jealous feelings have all disappeared with them. They will never again take part in anything that happens on this earth.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6
John 14-6
Jesus answered, ” I am the WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. No ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT ME..
Not any saints but only the Son of God.
Nowhere in Scripture are we told that the Saints and Mary are to be prayed to. Jesus said he is the only mediator between God and man if we have seen him we have seen the father. What else is needed? If the Catholics believe that it is a both / and belief in scripture, then why did Jesus go to the Cross if we can add something to that incredible deed at Calvary? So it’s not Jesus alone, it’s Jesus plus something else, or someone else? We cannot add to that Perfect act of love.. Impossible.
Catholicism is mostly man-made tradition, usually for Monetary gain.. And to say the first Christians were Catholics is Ludacris! The first Christians were that gangly, poor, despised Motley Crue that were chosen,, followed the Lord around, heard him, learned from him, and loved him. How can the catholic church assume authority to override , add to,, delete or omit or change in ANY WAY,, God’s perfect propitiation?
Where are believers told to pray to Mary? The only instruction she gave was at the Cana wedding, she said,” Do as he tells you. ” not, “Do as he tells you , but also….”
Sir, I’m very interested in engaging conversation with you concerning several issues. If Jesus is our example to follow for Holy living, and I believe we would agree that He is , then why do you suppose he said, Follow me, I and my Father are One, if you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father, ask the ,father and HE will give you, etc? The bottom line is, He is the only way to The Father. If we were not told to pray to Saints in heaven, and we weren’t, then why does Catholicism say we should?
Nowhere in the canonized Word are believers instructed to pray to Mary or saints, to baptize babies, to pray the rosary, do confirmation, or that a priest has the authority to absolve or forgive sins.
Catholicism has all the markings of a cult. PLEASE stop teaching man made “religion”. Come to Christ and HIM ALONE for free salvation by His blood.
I’m praying for the conviction of your heart, in Jesus name.
Khaykhay,
Catholics agree, of course, that Jesus Christ is the one and only unique Savior and Redeemer of mankind. Nevertheless, this fact does not mean that the saints, who are alive in Christ and are members of his body, cannot participate in Jesus’ salvific mission by interceding for Christians on earth, or even others who are not Christian.
When someone asks you to pray for them, do you say, “Sorry, but you’ll have to go straight to Jesus”? By no means, because you realize the value of praying for others. When a Christian on earth prays to Christ on behalf of someone else, he is essentially doing what the saints in heaven do for us. The saints in heaven, in their role of intercession, are not competing against Christ but rather cooperating with him. They are participating in his mission.
St. Paul teaches:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Tim 2:1-3).
Intercession for others is good and pleasing in the sight of God. Would you deny Paul’s role of intercession? Do you suppose that because he has attained the Beatific Vision, he no longer honors his own teaching?
Mr. Bartels,
Why do you repeatedly claim the saints are in heaven? Haven’t you also read 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 in the KJV Bible? Paul instructed believers that they should await Jesus’ second coming. Those who are dead in Christ, it clearly says, have not ascended into heaven. Therefore, those saints you pray to are simply souls waiting for judgment when Christ returns. The rapture happens alongside that event. Therefore, if you are rightly dividing the word of truth, you should realize that no saints are currently in heaven. Therefore, why cast that stumbling block that the Catholic cult puts on its adherents? Why facilitate that false ideology? Doesn’t Revelation say that he or she that adds or subtracts one letter from the Bible would receive severe judgment?
Devin
Devin,
The context of 1 Thessalonians 4 is the general resurrection that will occur on the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns in glory. At that time, the dead (those who are asleep) will be raised and their bodies will be reunited with their souls. It does not say that the souls of the dead are not (or cannot be) in heaven. This passage should not be taken to mean that the souls of the dead are asleep, comatose, and unconscious. We know this from other passages of Scripture which clearly speak of the saints as alive in heaven, worshipping God. For example, Revelation 5 depicts a vision of the heavenly throne in which elders (saints) are worshipping the Lamb. They fall down before him with golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of the saints (who must be alive and conscious to pray) rising to the God. Remember also that in the Transfiguration event Jesus is seen conversing with Moses and Elijah. Hebrews 12:1 tells us we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. And in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus which Jesus told, the departed rich man who died tries to intercede for his brothers.
The soul of the human person is immaterial, rational, and spiritual. It survives the death of the body. At death, the soul is judged by God and either ascends to heaven (perhaps via Purgatory) or immediately descends into hell. The soul does not “sleep” until the second coming of Christ as if it is unconscious. Paul uses the term “asleep” in reference to the dead human body, not the soul.
The problem with the Protestant perspective, is that it lacks an authoritative interpreter of Scripture: The Catholic Church founded on St. Peter by Christ himself (Matt 16:17-19). Often, passages are taken out of context without consideration for the entire revelation of God.
Interpreting Scripture in light of the constant teaching and tradition of the magisterium of the Church is not adding to or subtracting from the Bible. Rather, it is a process by which we discern the authentic teaching of Scripture in harmony with the Church, which is the pillar and bulwark of the truth, as Paul stated (1 Tim 3:15), as opposed to adhering to subjective ideas that ultimately lack biblical support.
I am really confused by these explanations of the catholic faith. Peter was the rock on which the church was founded; Peter was a leader and chosen. Catholic means universal, and yes, I agree that the first bunch of Christians were a gang of loving, simple people, ready to share whenever anyone needed something and worshipped together. I have a hard time understanding the Catholic religion when it has so many rules – ie genuflecting; thinking the bread and wine as an actual part of Jesus – Jesus lives in us, not through a piece of bread or drink; the Pope now accepts homosexuality, the Pope says all religions lead to God; priests cannot marry – who said that? because Peter was married; the Bible was not encouraged as a source of learning, it all came from the elect of the Catholic church, and priests used to teach on Sundays in Latin! Confessing our sins can be done with anyone, not necessarily a priest. My sins, past present and future were forgiven the day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior; why do I have to keep doing the asking over and over? Do Catholics speak in tongues? Do they prophecy? These I feel are examples of man-made rules that keep Catholics stunted and controlled. In Christ we are free, and His Grace is sufficient for me [and us]!!! Why complicate it????
Dear Susana,
You raise lots of questions. I won’t address all of them here. Having said that, here are a few of my thoughts:
There is no “Catholic religion.” The Catholic Church transmits the Christian religion in its fullness. All of the first Christians belonged to the Church, which is the one body of Christ. It’s not enough to say “I’m Christian” or “Christ paid for my sins” and lay the Church aside. Matthew 16 clearly teaches that Jesus founded his one Church on St. Peter. He did that for a reason. It was not arbitrary. It is the will of God that we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ—the Catholic Church.
Actually, the “rules,” as you put it, are rather few in the Church. As Christians, we follow the commandments (the moral law), and, with faith, we believe all that God has revealed in Christ and all that the Church proposes for belief. Sometimes people mix up “rules” with the moral law or with what is to be believed. In point of fact, the laity have very few rules they must adhere to. God demands more of us than simply saying “I believe.” We must live IN Christ, which is about more than believing alone. Walking in fellowship with Christ means membership in his body, the Church; it means a life of virtue and holiness; it means worshipping God in the Church’s liturgy; it means living the gospel life.
Whatever the pope might say, as Catholics we are required to believe what the Magisterium officially teaches. We are not required to assent to everything a pope might say. Popes are not impeccable. Like everyone, they can and do sin and speak incorrectly at times. The key is to know and live by the Church’s doctrines of faith and morals.
There are married priests in the Latin rite Church, although they are few. Celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine. In the Eastern rite Catholic Church, there are many married priests.
In terms of the sacrament of Confession, it was instituted by Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday (see Jn 20:21-23). It is presumptions of people to think that the sacrament of forgiveness which Christ himself put into place for our salvation is arbitrary or unnecessary. For 2000 years, Christians have revered and received this sacrament. It is only with the advent of Protestantism that it has been discarded.
The moral teaching of the Church does not keep Catholics “stunted and controlled.” On the contrary, it is based on God’s commandments, which are commandments given by a loving Father to his children.
Anyway, thanks for your comments.