Worshipping Statues and Idols: What most people don't even realize is that Christianity in general forbids the worship of idols and statues. The condemnation of idolatry can be found in numerous places in the bible. The statues found in and around Catholic churches are representations or inspirational reminders of the holy men and women who have gone before us. It's the spiritual equivalent of keeping pictures of passed loved ones near to you, so you won't forget them.

 

Why do you worship Mary?: Simply put, we don't pray to the saints, angels, and Mary, we ask them to pray for us and with us. It's very similar to asking someone on earth to pray for you. But these holy men and women are in heaven and closer to God, while we on earth are still human and working our own problems out.

 

Why have a Pope when you already have Christ?: Surprising as it may be, Jesus (Christ for you confused non-Caths out there) is the guy who first came up with the idea of a "Pope". Mind you, he didn't just say "Yo Pete, you're gonna be Pope when I leave. Cool?" But Peter is considered the first Pope because God gave him the "keys to the kingdom". Which is why a lot of people think St. Peter is who you're gonna see at the gates of heaven, as is portrayed in many cartoons and movies. The Pope is mainly there for lack of Christ's physical presence on earth. Get it?

 

Crackers and Blood: Catholics aren't vampires and we don't smash on Ritz Crackers at church. The "cracker" which is actually a wafer or small piece of bread is (in the simplest to understand terms for you non-Caths) a representation of the body of Christ. The wine represents the blood of Christ. Christians teach that Christ died for us, gave his body and blood, Catholics just take that a couple steps further and get a little more literal. We refer to the bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ because we believe that Christ miraculously changes the food into just that. It's hard to explain without making it sound too creepy, but that's the general summation.

 

Bead necklaces: Them necklace looking bead thingies, known as rosaries, are tools use to help us pray. In actuality it helps keep track of where you are. Various other religions from Buddhists to Hindu use their own tools for prayer. A lot of non-Caths tend to like the look of rosaries and use them for decoration. Catholics may hang rosaries on their bedposts or rearview mirrors, but they are not decorations or jewelry.

 

Where's the women priests?: It is true, the Catholic Church does not allow women to become priests. The reason behind this is because Jesus was a man. In keeping with simple age-old tradition, men are priests. However, women are not ignored or discriminated against in the Catholic Church. Mary, for example, is venerated among all women. And while on that topic, nuns are not the female equivalent of priests. They can't do many of the jobs that only priests can perform. But they're very devout and dedicated lives are not ignored, they're almost assured a place in heaven with all that they have to do and give up. Nuns deserve a lot of respect for their religious dedication.

 

Why can't priests marry?: The reason behind this one is because Jesus did not take a wife. He came to the earth and dedicated himself to his Godly duties. I'm not saying women are a distraction to the faith (I'm sure PMS would be now and then though) but when married a man must dedicate a portion of himself to his wife, and even more when children come into the picture... what does that leave to your religious dedication? And on that same note, yes, divorced men can become priests. But I'm sure it's a longer process to go through.

 

Confessions: Many people think "Why go to confession to a fellow human when you can just go to God?" The priest forgives your sins in the name of God when you go to confession, so we're not leaving God out. Anybody can just sit there and say "God, I screwed up... forgive me", but actually admitting to your sins and accepting that you're human and seeking forgiveness is a greater virtue.

 

What's up with you people and sex?: Save the best for the last right? The Catholic Church does not, in any way, forbid sex. We just preach to wait till marriage, pretty much all your major religions preach that. It's just something that should be reserved for the married life. It's a beautiful thing, even the Catholic Church in all their often red-faced silence and tradition will tell you that. It can sort of be viewed as a reward for waiting really, if that's how you choose to see it. Even non-Caths and people with no religion in their lives will tell you that waiting was better in the end. And for the record... yes I am.