Whats the difference between the pope blessing someone and a witch doctor perfor

1. 70

   getitriteposted 8 years ago

   Whats the difference between the pope blessing someone and a witch doctor performing voodoo ritual
   
   And what about exorcisms? Is there objective proof that the pope's rituals are based in reality, and the other mere primitive superstitious nonsense? And what about the efficacy?
   
   

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2. 61

   SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years ago

   The main difference is who is being prayed too. When the pope blesses a person he is doing it in the name of God and his own name. When a voodoo witch doctor (the correct term being Hougan or Bokor depending on what type of magic is being performed) calls upon the Loa or "spirits".
   
   The blessing is normally words meant to bring good tidings while in a voodoo ritual a person is usually possessed by one of the Loa and learns information on healing spells or potions that might work for the person.
   
   I would recommend the book I am not Afraid by Robert H. Bennett. He details his time spent among the Malagasy tribes in Madagascar (their religion is very similar to voodoo) and even covers the efficiency or inefficiency of certain religions and their style of exorcism.

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   1. 70

      getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Are you implying that blessings and spells have an actual effect?  I thought that both were essentially useless

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   2. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I do believe that blessings and spells can have an effect on a person's life.

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   3. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I Googled miracles fm Pope & found baby w/hole in heart healed but I must agree, with 1 resp, why doesn't he do more like Jesus? Get out & be a blessing to the WORLD not just 1 baby? Never saw that 1 on CNN! Why? They show everytime he moves,

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   4. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      We live in a post-modern world. Miracles cannot be proven scientifically, it is  unfortunate, but no one wants to advertise miracles or "supernatural" as news.

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   5. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: POPE should NOT be "religiously correct" due to "post-modern world." Isn't he to be "Christ-like?" "Rather please man than God?" That's what's "unfortunate" when so many follow!
      RELIGION=Satan's Greatest Device to lose souls & LAUGHING!

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   6. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The media wants nothing to with miracles.

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   7. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: And it seems "branch offs" from Catholics (RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS) do not either! Nor do they want anything to do w/THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT which makes 1 "appear drunk" (Acts 2:13) for to them it's "RELIGIOUSLY INCORRECT!" Lutherans?

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   8. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is incorrect to base our faith on seeing miracles. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" but faith should be based on what Jesus did for us

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   9. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: TRUTH! YOU should "Study" rather than listening to any "Denomination" or "Religion!" Go into closet with Holy Spirit & ask what should be done under "New Covenant!" You do believe in New Covenant don't you or do you still leave under Old 1?

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3. 74

   Oztinatoposted 8 years ago

   The principle is the same however if we throw out the cherished principle of evolution when it suits our argument we bend facts to suit an "agenda". This agenda is total religious intolerance. On the other hand if we properly embrace the principle of evolution we can easily see that religions like everything else change and evolve to suit the spiritual environment. So why do people both promote evolution and deny it at the same time? Hypocrisy.

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   1. 70

      getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I really cant get the gist of what u are saying here. I am asking for explanations as to why there would be differences between the Pope's blessing and a witch doctor's ritualistic nonsense....if any

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   2. 74

      Oztinatoposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The principle is the same.
      A sincere blessing from a spiritual leader in an indigenous community is the same as a blessing from the pope.

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   3. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: What spirit exist in u when "Pope" does NOTHING like Christ but say GOD? Why would u be "unequally yoked" (n agremnt) w/unbelievers who do not live "After the Day of Pentecost" where we SHOULD live? Have u studied Scripture?

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   4. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The Pope does pray to God and believe in God, even if his theology is flawed. Am I in agreement with him? No. I am Lutheran, he is Catholic.

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   5. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: Lutheran? Do they teach "After the Day of Pentecost" where we CURRENTLY live under New Covenant?  If not, "Christ died in vain" and Galatians 1:6-9 applies which says (2x's) "ACCURSED!"

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   6. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Christ alone saves us by grace alone, through faith alone. Can't get much more New Testament than that.

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   7. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: Oh yes u can! Did u not read Gal 1:6-9? ACCURSED? Not in Scripture for nothing! 
      If not living under "New Covenant" not New Testament which includes The Gospels (LAW), then ACCURSED (Gal 1:6-9)!  Lutherans?

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Covenant and Testament mean the same thing

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   9. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: That is NOT TRUE!  The Gospels (Matt, Mark, Lk & John) are under the LAW! Gal 4:4 said Jesus was "born under the law" & his life on earth was under the law, fulfilling the law; remember? The NC wasn't eff until Acts 2:2 when Holy Spirit

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   10. 61

       SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       The New Covenant was set up when Jesus died,"Take drink of it all of you for this is the cup the new covenant which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sin"

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   11. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Kris: Read Jer 31:33;Heb8:10;10:16 to find origination of New Covenant where Holy Spirit (Jn14:26)would "put laws in hearts & minds,"came n Acts 2:2 & began "puting/writng" in apostles "hrts & mnds" telling them what to tell us for Salvat

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4. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Good question I might add.  There is really no difference between many so-called religious rituals and rituals conducted by so-called shamans, witch doctors, and other such practitioners.  In fact, one can say that religions are outgrowths of such rituals.   Many religions have incorporated such rituals in their practices. 
   
   Religious rituals are designed to deal with the human unconscious.  They are designed to deal with the feeling, not thinking nature of humankind.  Such rituals are analogous to a hallucinogen, it makes people high and feel good for participating in them.   
   
   Exorcisms are merely superstition and based upon some self fulfilling prophecy.  The person believes that somehow h/she is possessed and this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  The priest or authority is sent in to quell the possession.  This exorcism craze is just another excuse for religious authorities to exercise their power over the masses and keep them in bu$ine$$.   Also, if religion did not have rituals, the masses will lose interest in religion.  After all, rituals keep the masses ensconced in a fantastical world which is better than facing their own, gray, monotonous world, now isn't it.

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      getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is all the same. The only difference is that the masses have been tricked into thinking that Western ritualistic nonsense is somehow superior to that of Third World, or developing nations rituals. Its ALL primitive nonsense

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5. 51

   Norine Williamsposted 8 years ago

   NONE!  Catholics are False Prophets and witch doctors of "evil" spirit as well!
   
   If Catholics are so "Christ-like," have you ever seen one heal the sick, raise the dead, or done anything "Supernaturally?"  I haven't seen on CNN!  Have you?
   
   That should tell one something!

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   1. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I haven't seen any other Christians on CNN with miracles either, at least none that can be objectively proven. I have seen Catholics and many others on unreliable television shows claiming to have experienced a great miracle.

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   2. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I don't see any other "Christians" but Catholic (Pope) on CNN have you? They are the ONLY "religiously correct" (govt) organization according to society yet haven't see any miracles! You? I've never seen them on ANY shows claiming miracles!

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   3. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I've seen Catholics on shows about miracles, seen Christians on shows about miracles. Seen miracles? No. Other than the miracle of Salvation, which is the most important miracle. Other miracles I have only heard about second or third hand

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   4. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: Well, I've seen "first hand!"  Why don't you "Study" the New Covenant which we CURRENTLY live under? Then you're on your way to Salvation! (Gal 1:6-9). It's great to come "unto Christ," but one MUST BE "IN CHRIST" to receive Salvation!

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   5. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      1 Peter 3:21 Baptism now saves you. I do not doubt my Salvation, but I trust in his Word.

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   6. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: NO! The Gospel of Christ now saves you! Gal 1:6-9! If not living under NEW COVENANT according to The Gospel of Christ, one is ACCURSED! Why do you think that's in Scripture? If Christ died, left NC, u don't follow, no Salvation says Gal 1:6-9!

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   7. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      1 Peter 3:21

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   8. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: U misunderstood I Pet 3:21! "NOT PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF FLESH.." then how can it save? Jesus' Blood saves us if we live under NC! MUST live "After the Day of Pentecost"/NC for Salvation! "teaching..to OBSERVE ALL THGS..Matt 28:20! Do u?

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   9. 61

      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      How do you interpret 1 Peter 3:21? or Romans 6:4

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   10. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Kris: One can't get to "baptism" or "newness of life" until 1 lives under what Jesus DIED for (New Covenant) which began in Acts 2:2 after Holy Spirit (our Helper) came! NEW DAY came on Day of Pentecost when 1st CHURCH was established & we FOLLOW

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   11. 70

       getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Norine: U are correct. Catholics are false prophets...because there is no such thing as a PROPHET. Thats just made up nonsense to keep the gullible in a childlike state...believing in things that have no basis in reality...NONE! This is disturbing!

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   12. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Apparently u r an "unbeliever!" 
       Therefore, provide another book written BEFORE bible with as many accurate prophecies that have been fulfilled?

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   13. 70

       getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Since the bible has nothing but fictional nonsensical stories, I fail to see your question as anything but irrelevant. Why are u trying to convince us that u know something that u dont? This whole ancient dogma is based on nothing but pure nonsense.

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   14. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Get: Well, provide the other book and PROVE "nonsense?"
       GIVE ME "FACTS" as unbelievers demand!

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   15. 70

       getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       So then lets state your conclusion using a syllogism:
       1. The silly holy book with the Most true prophecies proves their God
       2. The bible is the silly holy book with the most true prophecies
       3. Therefore the biblical God is true.
       *premise FAIL!

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   16. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Get: FACTS are FACTS! Don't you seek FACTS or do you REFUSE only to justify "remaining in sin?" 
       TRUTH is what it's ALL about!
       Silly premise? NOPE!  WORD from the HOLY SPIRIT!
       Now, PROVIDE THAT BOOK?
       Otherwise; *premise FAIL!
       NO JUSTIFICATION FOR..

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   17. 70

       getitriteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I was hoping that u understood the bare basics of logical exchange. NOPE! Apparently u are so focused on "GOD DONE IT" that u have rewired your thoughts to ignore logic, while continuing this straw man ultimatum. VERY DISTURBING mindset!!!.

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   18. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Get: And you continue to listen to "YOUR FATHER OF LIES" - SATAN - to justify continuing to live in sin & HE IS LAUGHING @ YOU! 
       
       Now that's a "VERY DISTURBING mindset!!!."

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