Today, I went and met with a Korean doctor (to assist him with English), who I was introduced to when I first arrived here two years ago. He and his family are Catholic. Actually, he was born into a Buddist family, but then when he met his wife, he converted, then his mother and father did, too.
I knocked on his door (at his office) and he said come in. I asked him what he was doing and he said praying. I looked on his desk and saw a little book and prayer beads. I asked him about it, because I know very little about Catholics, even though my mom's side of the family claim that they are as well.
He and I got into a little discussion about Catholics versus Christianity and although my knowledge is limited, his side lacked truth. He mentioned about how Mary and Jesus are on equal grounds and Mary is intercession between God and us, because we are 'so sinful'. I asked, "why do we need Jesus, if Mary can handle it all?" He said that when Jesus was with Joesph and Mary in the city, because he went home after they were looking for him that that proves he must obey his mother: Mary :-( ?
Knowing that I could not back up my point with a lot of scripture or wisdom, I did ask why Jesus said the ones that are his mothers, sisters, and brothers, are those that believe the Father.
I asked him the Catholic view on Buddhists, especially, since he and his family were at one time. He said that Buddists can go to heaven, as well as muslims and anyone else. His point was about purgatory and that priests are often in Korea 'meeting' with Buddhists for insight.
Anyway, I am not God and I do not know his word enough to say either way, but I do know that it feels much different than what I have been learning and reading in the Bible. My prayer life has no mention of Mary and I know my prayers are being answered, but Catholics have a book dedicated to her and their bible is different.
I will research this more.
God Bless and thank You Jesus,
BrianMira
