How Much Veneration of a Saint is appropriate?

[Albion]

Just about every Christian disavows "saint worship" when it's put that way--even the Christians and the churches that engage in it. On the other hand, almost no Christian or church is against holding the great figures of Christian history in high regard. So where's the right level?

 

[Imalive]

Just about every Christian disavows "saint worship" when it's put that way--even the Christians and the churches that engage in it. On the other hand, almost no Christian or church is against holding the great figures of Christian history in high regard. So where's the right level?

'I'm from Paul' was wrong.
Not only those old ones. In evangelical circles the nowaday holy men are worshipped. Carry his suitcase. Oh goodness. We had one guy in church who always said pastor to my ex. Always. Pastor pastor like he was licking his heels. Ppl would help paint your house, everything. But no way anyone would offer me to help me move. No only the pastor. Blah. I did it too. I didnt even notice. That guy from Toronto came and I screamed: look! look! There he is!! Like he was some super star. Guys I was with looked at me like: you're nuts. What is he? The pope?

 

[Lamb]

Just about every Christian disavows "saint worship" when it's put that way--even the Christians and the churches that engage in it. On the other hand, almost no Christian or church is against holding the great figures of Christian history in high regard. So where's the right level?

This is an interesting question. I don't mind commemorations on certain days but I don't pray to the saints or believe they're doing something for me in terms of my salvation. There are some hymns where some saints are mentioned and yet the hymns are not completely about them since they still point to the Savior. I think the danger comes when we lose focus of Jesus.

 

[Albion]

"Imalive," I understand your point there, but the OP really was about acts of veneration towards those who have died and are presumed to have gone on to be with the Lord. The Apostles, for instance, or Mary, or St. Francis of Assisi, or possibly even some of the great Reformers.

 

[Josiah]

Just about every Christian disavows "saint worship" when it's put that way--even the Christians and the churches that engage in it. On the other hand, almost no Christian or church is against holding the great figures of Christian history in high regard. So where's the right level?

If by "veneration" we mean respect, then IMO great figures in the Bible and Judeo-Christian history may be venerated - even highly so. If by "veneration" we mean to regard as God, then no, none other than God (and that includes Jesus) may be venerated.

 

[NewCreation435]

Just about every Christian disavows "saint worship" when it's put that way--even the Christians and the churches that engage in it. On the other hand, almost no Christian or church is against holding the great figures of Christian history in high regard. So where's the right level?

I looked up the definition of veneration and it said "respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person".
This sounds different that worship of someone which would elevate that person to a level I don't believe is appropriate. But, to respect a saint mentioned in the Bible is totally appropriate. Realizing that the person was only a person and not perfect. Even Abrham, MOses, David and Peter had great faults. I think that actually should encourage us that if God can use them in great ways that he can use us as well.

 

[Albion]

How about some sorts of overt actions that demonstrate the regard with which those saints are held?

 

[Tigger]

I for one who has frequented our local Antiochian Orthodox parish often have wrestled with this question quite a bit and have found my place of comfort in saying if venerated is a synonym for highly respectful then yes I do. Particularly the blessed Virgin but I struggle with invoking them to intercede with the Holy Trinity for me.

 

[psalms 91]

Yup dead is dead

 

[Albion]

Well, what about this--

Some churches that absolutely do not pray to, pray FOR, worship, ask the intervention of, or have ceremonies dedicated to the dead, do nevertheless name their churches after them. Not usually, but it's still done. I know of a Baptist church near my home that is named "St. _____ Baptist Church." I suspect that there are other Baptists who would be very much offended by this as it's a veneration of sorts.

 

[NewCreation435]

How about some sorts of overt actions that demonstrate the regard with which those saints are held?

such as what?

 

[Albion]

Well, let's see. I named one in my previous post--dedicating and naming a church or a university for one of them. That's similar to what we do with political heroes who get schools and highways named after them. Then also, the liturgical churches, both Catholic and Protestant, have feast days put on the church calendar to honor these people. St. Francis even had a stage play and a comic book created about him. There are orders of monks, nuns, sisters, and etc. which aspire to follow the principles or policies associated with some of these saints. Canonization itself, i.e. the naming of one such to BE considered a saint, probably should be mentioned.