sainthood

[Skip]

Are there any saints?

Should there be any saints?

Should they be exclusively Catholic, or should other religions also have saints?

What kind of character, life and works should sainthood require?

Who should decide?

Would you like to nominate anyone for sainthood?

[Jaded Sage]

As it happens, I'm reading William James on sainthood right now!

Here's a fun excerpt:

These devotees are have often laid their course so differently from other men that, judging them by worldly law, we might be tempted to call them monstrous aberrations from the path of nature.

There's a lot more, but I'm tired. Maybe another time. Also, no. They don't have to be catholic.

Also, some dude on the internet said some book I haven't read described saints as monsters of love. Cool, huh?

Just reread the excerpt. If they are better than is natural, are they supernatural?

[marjoram_blues]

Are there any saints?

Should there be any saints?

Should they be exclusively Catholic, or should other religions also have saints?

What kind of character, life and works should sainthood require?

Who should decide?

Would you like to nominate anyone for sainthood?

Yes and His name is Skip. Fiver in post.

[Jaded Sage]

Also, apparently saints aren't supposed to use sarcasm. Who knew?

[uwot]

Are there any saints?

Should there be any saints?

Should they be exclusively Catholic, or should other religions also have saints?

Saints only serve a function in monotheistic religions. They are the admission that the one size fits all 'God' doesn't have the personal appeal of a polytheistic pantheon that can be tailored to individual requirements. The Almighty is simply too big or busy for some people to approach directly, so one can appeal to the secretary responsible for whatever woe you might have.

What kind of character, life and works should sainthood require?

Who should decide?

Would you like to nominate anyone for sainthood?

Over here we have the secular version whereby the monarch hands out gongs to people who are popular, or peerages to those who have made an effort to support the same establishment that they become a part of. The only material difference is that you don't have to be dead. Generally speaking, such geegaws are handed out to people whose association will enhance the profile of the awarding body, or as an incentive to a life time of butt kissing.
There are many worthy and wonderful human beings, the best that I can offer is love and respect.

[Jaded Sage]

I dunno, I think you are overly influenced by the catholic notion. I recommend reading William James.

[uwot]

Hmm. It wouldn't surprise me to discover that implying that Queen Elizabeth II is a catholic could see you marched to the Tower of London, your balls cut off and burnt in front of your face; which is what Guy Fawkes had for starters.

[Jaded Sage]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about.

[uwot]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about.

Well, assuming you are talking to me, I supposed that your comment was addressed to the post that immediately precede it. My apologies if that is not so.

[Jaded Sage]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about.

Well, assuming you are talking to me, I supposed that your comment was addressed to the post that immediately precede it. My apologies if that is not so.

Yes, I was addressing you. I just have no idea what you are saying. Could you explain?

[uwot]

I don't understand why you think my view is influenced by Catholicism, particularly as the example I gave is of a monarch who, as head of the church of England is not allowed to be Catholic.
James is an interesting character, do you have a piece in mind?

[Jaded Sage]

Its only serve a function in monotheistic religions. They are the admission that the one size fits all 'God' doesn't have the personal appeal of a polytheistic pantheon that can be tailored to individual requirements. The Almighty is simply too big or busy for some people to approach directly, so one can appeal to the secretary responsible for whatever woe you might have.

That part sounds overly influenced by the catholic notion. Varieties of Religious Experience by William James. I'm actually reading the part on sainthood now. I'd quote more of it (I've already shared a passage) but it gets exhausting. I highly recommend the entire thing. I think it's online for free.

[uwot]

That part sounds overly influenced by the catholic notion.

Maybe. Over here (assuming you are elsewhere) the English, Welsh and Scots all have their patron saints, but they don't take them anything like as seriously as the catholic Irish take St Patrick, at least if drinking Guinness in celebration is any measure.

Varieties of Religious Experience by William James. I'm actually reading the part on sainthood now. I'd quote more of it (I've already shared a passage) but it gets exhausting. I highly recommend the entire thing. I think it's online for free.

Thank you. I'll look it up.

[Jaded Sage]

Anyone ever get that joke about saints healing the sick with their tongues?

[Skip]

Is that what Mother Teresa did?
(I've never heard the joke, but suspect that's just as well.)