02-23-2007, 01:20 PM
Glory to God, peace on earth & good will to all.
Assalamu alykum, Dan!
Quote:So any mass celebrated in another language before VII would have been valid in the church? It would have been fine for women to come to mass without a head covering?
Yes x 2.
The Catholic Rite I belong to (Maronite) celebrated Mass in the vernacular (Syriac, Aramaic, Arabic) pre-Vatican II. It was always recognized as valid.
Head dress - As far as I'm aware, the Church hasn't changed a thing in regards to this discipline (it's not a dogma). Although it's not specifically mentioned in the Code of Canon Law (1983), the Church strongly recommends that women cover their heads in Church but it's not a sin if they don't. Attire depends on the custom/culture of the time. Whether women cover up or not doesn't change core beliefs. St Paul is 1 Corinthians 11:13 says to judge for ourselves whether it's appropriate or not.
I should point out that veiling in Christianity has a different significance to "hijab" in Islam - especially for our consecrated religious nuns.
Quote:"The Pope has grounds to waive"
How? You stated that man cannot change the church laws. This is a change.
Did I?
I recall stating that men can't change the "Religion of God" (Divine Law).
There's a difference between ecclesiastical tradition (more examples include: Communion in the hand, altar servers, extraordinary ministers, fasting obligations, etc) & Sacred Tradition (the revealed teachings of Christ handed on in the Church from the time of the Apostles & proclaimed to the fullest extent by the Church's authority). The former can be modified, the latter are set in stone until the end.
Quote:"Tithing is an O/T practice."
No... it was a medival practice... one of the issues Martin Luther raised. Now it is no longer allowed. What changed?
Martin Luther (RIP) raised this issue??? As far as I know, tithing is still practiced amongst Lutherans & other Protestants. Catholics are encouraged to donate, however, they're not obliged to give 10% of their earnings. Having said that, Church parishes belong to the local Catholic communities, therefore, they're contributing for their own benefit. Donations don't get stashed away in the Holy Father's bank account. I'm aware that a handful of clergy are dodgy (they desperately need our prayers) but at the end of the day, all that matters is parishioners donating in good faith. Our Father in Heaven is watching.
Dude, I don't expect you to defend Catholicism... as much as I love Muslims I'd never defend Islam, but I find it odd that a former Catholic is presenting me with such questions. Were you ever catechised? Your judgements are purely subjective (aspects you disapprove of). I'm starting to think you had a bad experience with the Church & are now holding a grudge.
It's all good :)
Take care & God bless.