I don't wish to add to what you said, only wish to say how accurate it was.
Very good reply A...
What's with Ringo? Does he have difficulty discerning the difference between what is real and what is only 'a symbol' of the real?
Does he wish to solve the theological issues regarding denominationalism, or only use them as a defense to stigmatize?
As a former alter boy, I must say... I am thankful for the physical reminders of history and spritual realitites. But I never once thought I was bowing to a statue. In my mind was always the deity behind it. Though in some respect Ringo is right. I see no need to go to a church to do so now. The deity is with me always. One need not bow at all. I pray most while driving durring the week.
I suppose anyone would decry bowing to a statue without understanding anything about what it represents. The statue is irrelevant, one could do the same thing in a desert of sand. And it is this 'perception' of what faith is not that creates a stigma that becomes a catch all.
Maybe some people are hopelessly stupid?
There are those I'm sure, who bow to statues (even within Catholic churches) who do not understand the 'real' thing, and only believe blindly in some magic words and utterances, thinking that will save them. But I hate to guess at this point how common that is.
I don't know that it realy matters in the end. I think God is far bigger,
and smaller, than we often think. Both qualities were displayed upon the Cross. I suspect I may likely find myself serving those in heaven, whom I always assumed to be lacking understanding (the first being last and vice versa...).
To be there at all is good enough for me.
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