Thank you for the post! As a Protestant I've always been curious about Catholicism, and I enjoy reading your takes and learning more. I'm not sure why some hate the Rosary--or repetitive prayer in general. It doesn't take much Church history to learn there are many approaches to prayers. (In studying the mystics, some years ago I learned about The Jesus Prayer and found the repetition helpful for meditative focus.)
I appreciate how you spelled out the Rosary--from the diagram explaining it to the prayers themselves. I'm sure I've asked Catholic friends about it from time to time, but this is the first simple yet thorough explanation I've read.
Meanwhile, years ago I bought a copy of The Catechism. At some point I should delve into it. My wife and I often remark that we're the worst Protestants, because we find ourselves agreeing with the Catholic Church so much. Just those few points of contention are major ones--but not major points as in malice.
I think it’s worth pointing out to protestants that not only is the rosary based on the Bible, but you can pray the rosary without the rote prayers or praying directly to Mary. Just say a brief prayer, announce the mystery, and meditate on the mystery for about three minutes before moving on to the next one. Of course, Mary adds an important dimension to the prayer, one that we hope the pray-er would eventually embrace, but I think she can work with people who are willing to at least try.
I’m nobody special but five years ago my life was in tumult. Practically homeless save half way houses and substance abuse rehabilitation centers; materially destitute. Spiritually, psychologically and emotionally bankrupted. Today all of those things are no longer true. I am a sober, contributing member of society. No longer depressed and, most of the time because I will never be perfect, not constantly fixated on myself. Relationships with beloved family members and friends restored and continually nurtured. And for the first time in my life I’m trying as best I can to live and practice the Catholic faith my mother and father tried to instill in me. I am certain that every single bit of this rebirth is directly from Our Lord and that the intercession of the Blessed Mother was instrumental in bringing it about.
There is a spiritual dimension to their hatred of it. I can understand Protestants disagreeing with the Rosary, but when it becomes aggressive anger you can know for sure there are demons influencing these people, because of course Satan and his minions hate St. Mary with a passion. She humiliates them. It should actually bring us great peace when people attack us for the Rosary.
“Protestantism is filled with anti-Catholicism because it is filled with little else.” GK Chesterton
Thank you for the post! As a Protestant I've always been curious about Catholicism, and I enjoy reading your takes and learning more. I'm not sure why some hate the Rosary--or repetitive prayer in general. It doesn't take much Church history to learn there are many approaches to prayers. (In studying the mystics, some years ago I learned about The Jesus Prayer and found the repetition helpful for meditative focus.)
I appreciate how you spelled out the Rosary--from the diagram explaining it to the prayers themselves. I'm sure I've asked Catholic friends about it from time to time, but this is the first simple yet thorough explanation I've read.
Meanwhile, years ago I bought a copy of The Catechism. At some point I should delve into it. My wife and I often remark that we're the worst Protestants, because we find ourselves agreeing with the Catholic Church so much. Just those few points of contention are major ones--but not major points as in malice.
Thank you Adam, I appreciate your comment.
I think it’s worth pointing out to protestants that not only is the rosary based on the Bible, but you can pray the rosary without the rote prayers or praying directly to Mary. Just say a brief prayer, announce the mystery, and meditate on the mystery for about three minutes before moving on to the next one. Of course, Mary adds an important dimension to the prayer, one that we hope the pray-er would eventually embrace, but I think she can work with people who are willing to at least try.
The Pater Noster is shared by Catholics and Protestants alike; perhaps that, coupled with meditation, could lead Protestants to a love of the rosary.
I’m nobody special but five years ago my life was in tumult. Practically homeless save half way houses and substance abuse rehabilitation centers; materially destitute. Spiritually, psychologically and emotionally bankrupted. Today all of those things are no longer true. I am a sober, contributing member of society. No longer depressed and, most of the time because I will never be perfect, not constantly fixated on myself. Relationships with beloved family members and friends restored and continually nurtured. And for the first time in my life I’m trying as best I can to live and practice the Catholic faith my mother and father tried to instill in me. I am certain that every single bit of this rebirth is directly from Our Lord and that the intercession of the Blessed Mother was instrumental in bringing it about.
There is a spiritual dimension to their hatred of it. I can understand Protestants disagreeing with the Rosary, but when it becomes aggressive anger you can know for sure there are demons influencing these people, because of course Satan and his minions hate St. Mary with a passion. She humiliates them. It should actually bring us great peace when people attack us for the Rosary.