Is It Wrong To Wear

[Deb]

I would not be comfortable wearing a rosary as a necklace. I have a necklace that kind of looks like a rosary and that feels weird to wear sometimes. It is an instrument of prayer.

If you aren't going to be praying your rosary while you are out, then you don't have to bring it with. There are tons of rosary bracelets out there and I wear two rosary rings so that I always have at least something to count on and of course, I do have ten fingers.

[johnnydigit]

[quote name='Proud2BCatholic139' post='1561564' date='Jun 6 2008, 06:58 PM']For me, even if it is to wear religiously, I was told not to because it was sacreligious by my CCD teacher and the parish I attended for CCD is ULTRA conservative.
That was the way I just grew up.

For that manner, I know this may sound gross, but I carry my Rosary in my bra if I am in a situation like that.

Sorry to gross anyone out.[/quote]

i was also told that it's wrong to have a Rosary up on the rear view mirror. not so much for legal reasons, but theological, of which it was not really clarified, or i felt they weren't valid, so when i got my Cursillo Rosary i hung it up there proudly 3 years ago. when i have one there, it keeps me in check whenever i do something stupid. the other day, a lady said all the catholic stuff in my car made her feel safe.

i used to rock a Rosary-scapular around my neck for a while, and i would rock a Rosary on my neck any day without reservation. not that it's anyone's position to judge, but i did use it to pray. i also think it's a good testament and reminder. i still have not heard of any reasonable excuse not to wear one. the cons offered so far simply do not outweigh the pros, imo.

i have not had anyone ever confront me on it, and if one were to do so, i'd certainly be confident enough to defend it. then i'd whip out my ninja black military Rosary from my left pocket, my KofC Rosary from my right pocket, my spare Miraculous Medals, use my Crusader scapular and St. Benedict medal as a shield, then splash any residual holy water from my fingers on their face.

j/k. i'd politely give them my email to forward any reliable documents they have on the matter so i can learn for myself. in the meantime, it's booyah satan in yo face, my momma wears army boots and yours doesn't sucka!

[Deb]

[quote name='johnnydigit' post='1570963' date='Jun 14 2008, 12:50 AM']i was also told that it's wrong to have a Rosary up on the rear view mirror. not so much for legal reasons, but theological, of which it was not really clarified, or i felt they weren't valid, so when i got my Cursillo Rosary i hung it up there proudly 3 years ago. when i have one there, it keeps me in check whenever i do something stupid. the other day, a lady said all the catholic stuff in my car made her feel safe.

i used to rock a Rosary-scapular around my neck for a while, and i would rock a Rosary on my neck any day without reservation. not that it's anyone's position to judge, but i did use it to pray. i also think it's a good testament and reminder. i still have not heard of any reasonable excuse not to wear one. the cons offered so far simply do not outweigh the pros, imo.

i have not had anyone ever confront me on it, and if one were to do so, i'd certainly be confident enough to defend it. then i'd whip out my ninja black military Rosary from my left pocket, my KofC Rosary from my right pocket, my spare Miraculous Medals, use my Crusader scapular and St. Benedict medal as a shield, then splash any residual holy water from my fingers on their face.

j/k. i'd politely give them my email to forward any reliable documents they have on the matter so i can learn for myself. in the meantime, it's booyah satan in yo face, my momma wears army boots and yours doesn't sucka![/quote]

I guess I would like to know if you would be wearing a rosary to show your piousness? If it is not a fashion statement, and you carry rosaries in your pocket, why woud you even feel the need to wear one? It isn't like you can use it for prayer while it is around your neck.

If you were confronted on it, you might make a better point of why you have it on by explaining it rather than whipping out all your other sacramentals. Do you carry them for you or for show? I dont mean any offense but, the way in which you responded to this question really does lead to wonder.

If one wants to show a sign of their faith and love of God and also always have a reminder of the Lord our god on them, a crucifix is a beautiful thing to wear.

[johnnydigit]

[quote name='Deb' post='1571164' date='Jun 14 2008, 10:48 AM']I guess I would like to know if you would be wearing a rosary to show your piousness? If it is not a fashion statement, and you carry rosaries in your pocket, why woud you even feel the need to wear one? It isn't like you can use it for prayer while it is around your neck.

If you were confronted on it, you might make a better point of why you have it on by explaining it rather than whipping out all your other sacramentals. Do you carry them for you or for show? I dont mean any offense but, the way in which you responded to this question really does lead to wonder.

If one wants to show a sign of their faith and love of God and also always have a reminder of the Lord our god on them, a crucifix is a beautiful thing to wear.[/quote]

i don't know if i should even explain myself, but i will humor you to show that we should never assume and always give people the benefit of the doubt. if we assume how a person is praying or not praying, then we have sunk to the level of those who accuse us of idolatry by looking at how we venerate.

my combat narrative was more for dramatic effect, so i exaggerated some points. i wore it because i lost my KofC rosary, which was my main rosary at the time. i had no rosary, i hadn't replaced my scapular yet, and i was wearing slacks and my pockets were full, so since it was a Rosary-scapular, i put it around my neck. having the crucifix in front of me often attracted my wandering mind and the knots would keep my hands busy by praying. a sign of piety could also be a reason, inasmuch as a religious habit testifies to piety. it drew much curiosity and sparked conversation.

if someone were to ask me in the manner you asked your question, i would probably give a brief answer and kindly walk away as i would sense it was more for argumentative purposes rather than genuine curiousity, in which case i would happily stay for further discussion.

i recently acquired black military rosaries. i try to carry spare miraculous medals to give away. i carry them for me, as well as for show, as well as to give away. i wear a crucifix, but i happen to want to wear more. i have one in my car, but i wanted more. i have one in my room, but i wanted more there too.

no, i wouldn't literally splash someone in the face with holy water, unless they were foaming at the mouth by a demon. no i don't literally wear all these at the same time, unless i knew there was a demon i'd have to fight.

Sirach 11-7:

7
Before investigating, find no fault; examine first, then criticize.
8
Before hearing, answer not, and interrupt no one in the middle of his speech.
9
Dispute not about what is not your concern; in the strife of the arrogant take no part.

[johnnydigit]

i'd like to think that it's the young people today who have an almost obsessive love and zeal for our Lord that will be making the biggest changes in the world. viva il b16! viva il jp2 (in our hearts)!

[Noel's angel]

Deb, I'm unsure about why you make the distinction between wearing a rosary and wearing a rosary ring.

When we wear anything-a scapular, medals, a crucifix, we aren't always consciously 'using' them, but that doesn't mean that we should take them off unless we are thinking about them or praying. It is unfortunate that many people do use them as a fashion statement, but that does not make it wrong for anyone to wear a rosary.

Edited June 14, 2008 by Noel's angel

[Faith 1st]

I think that it is ok

[CrossCuT]

[size=1]I agree with Deb on this one...

On one of my previous posts I was a bit ify about it, but I just don’t feel good about that answer.
I find that wearing a rosary as a necklace is just not necessary.
If you want to pray with it, then pray with it, don’t hang it around your neck like a regular necklace.


How can wearing it around your neck NOT be a fashion statement anyway?
If you claim you are praying with it WHILE you are wearing it around your neck, why not just take it off and hold it? Why does it have to be around your neck?


[/size]

[Justin86]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again, the only thing to wear that is a sin is briefs. Boxers are of the Lord. 'Nuff said.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Noel's angel' post='1571310' date='Jun 14 2008, 04:28 PM']Deb, I'm unsure about why you make the distinction between wearing a rosary and wearing a rosary ring.

When we wear anything-a scapular, medals, a crucifix, we aren't always consciously 'using' them, but that doesn't mean that we should take them off unless we are thinking about them or praying. It is unfortunate that many people do use them as a fashion statement, but that does not make it wrong for anyone to wear a rosary.[/quote]
+J.M.J.+

gosh, i like you!

[johnnydigit]

[quote name='CrossCuT' post='1571489' date='Jun 14 2008, 08:02 PM']How can wearing it around your neck NOT be a fashion statement anyway?[/quote]

it is on the outside of my clothes, therefore it is in plain view, therefore i consciously knew it could be a statement of fashion. this definition of "fashion" would be a style of dress. it is my style of dress that represents my religion. therefore, i see it as a positive fashion statement.

the more negative definition of "fashion" would be more of a fad. it would be "trendy". some might associate this with something that makes no sense, but is done just for the sake of style of dress, say like wearing ski goggles in the summer at the mall. it's basically nonsense, but is just done for looks. did i wear the rosary for looks? sure. but it is also a statement of religion. does say a goth/punk person wear it for looks? sure. do they wear it as a statement of religion? i would not know, and i cannot know unless i asked them, and neither can you.

imo, it is a testament to the faith to the people who see it. is it a testament to the person wearing it? no one knows except in the mind of that person and God. is that person kneeling in front of Our Lady worshiping her or God? no one knows except in the mind of that person and God. should people who don't really venerate Our Lady kneel or act like they are venerating if they really aren't? should people show devotion at all if they really don't mean it? we cannot be the judge, but i think it can still help others if they show it.

should a person wear a Rosary because they may not pray it? we cannot be the judge, but i think it can still help others if they show it. i guess that's my deduction for now..

[quote name='CrossCuT' post='1571489' date='Jun 14 2008, 08:02 PM']If you claim you are praying with it WHILE you are wearing it around your neck, why not just take it off and hold it? Why does it have to be around your neck?

[/quote]

because i was sitting there bored. i was fiddling with the knots between my fingers. as i was spinning the crucifix between my index finger and thumb, i stopped to look at the corpus. i then thought i might as well do a decade or two, so i began right then and there. i didn't want to remove the whole thing with others around me, so i thought just counting right then and there was more discrete. after 2 or 3 decades, whatever or whoever i was listening to was over so i repositioned the Rosary around my neck and got up to continue my day. another time after Mass when i wanted to do a whole Rosary, i did take it off completely so i could count easier in my hand.

i hope this explanation satisfies you. i can give you an adequate explanation for everything i've said in this thread. i hope you don't assume that it is necessarily negative if you see it again. rather, give people the benefit of the doubt and assume it is something positive and continue on your day, even if you can't think of a good reason. you can't think of every possible reason so don't stress about it.

our lives might be a little more positive and peaceful if we assumed the best of people and not the worst, at least until we can turn that assumption into true fact by verification.
"Before investigating, find no fault; examine first, then criticize... Dispute not about what is not your concern"

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='johnnydigit' post='1571633' date='Jun 15 2008, 10:39 AM']because i was sitting there bored. i was fiddling with the knots between my fingers. as i was spinning the crucifix between my index finger and thumb, i stopped to look at the corpus. i then thought i might as well do a decade or two, so i began right then and there. i didn't want to remove the whole thing with others around me, so i thought just counting right then and there was more discrete. after 2 or 3 decades, whatever or whoever i was listening to was over so i repositioned the Rosary around my neck and got up to continue my day. another time after Mass when i wanted to do a whole Rosary, i did take it off completely so i could count easier in my hand.[/quote]
For me, wearing a Rosary around my neck could actually be a good thing. Your post reminded me that I'm constantly playing with whatever necklace I'm wearing, and if I were to wear a Rosary around my neck, I'd start playing with it, which would then lead me to pray it. I probably won't do it for a while, though, since right now my son likes to try to eat any necklace I have on.

[CrossCuT]

[quote name='johnnydigit' post='1571633' date='Jun 15 2008, 05:39 AM']it is on the outside of my clothes, therefore it is in plain view, therefore i consciously knew it could be a statement of fashion. this definition of "fashion" would be a style of dress. it is my style of dress that represents my religion. therefore, i see it as a positive fashion statement.

the more negative definition of "fashion" would be more of a fad. it would be "trendy". some might associate this with something that makes no sense, but is done just for the sake of style of dress, say like wearing ski goggles in the summer at the mall. it's basically nonsense, but is just done for looks. did i wear the rosary for looks? sure. but it is also a statement of religion. does say a goth/punk person wear it for looks? sure. do they wear it as a statement of religion? i would not know, and i cannot know unless i asked them, and neither can you.

imo, it is a testament to the faith to the people who see it. is it a testament to the person wearing it? no one knows except in the mind of that person and God. is that person kneeling in front of Our Lady worshiping her or God? no one knows except in the mind of that person and God. should people who don't really venerate Our Lady kneel or act like they are venerating if they really aren't? should people show devotion at all if they really don't mean it? we cannot be the judge, but i think it can still help others if they show it.

should a person wear a Rosary because they may not pray it? we cannot be the judge, but i think it can still help others if they show it. i guess that's my deduction for now..
because i was sitting there bored. i was fiddling with the knots between my fingers. as i was spinning the crucifix between my index finger and thumb, i stopped to look at the corpus. i then thought i might as well do a decade or two, so i began right then and there. i didn't want to remove the whole thing with others around me, so i thought just counting right then and there was more discrete. after 2 or 3 decades, whatever or whoever i was listening to was over so i repositioned the Rosary around my neck and got up to continue my day. another time after Mass when i wanted to do a whole Rosary, i did take it off completely so i could count easier in my hand.

i hope this explanation satisfies you. i can give you an adequate explanation for everything i've said in this thread. i hope you don't assume that it is necessarily negative if you see it again. rather, give people the benefit of the doubt and assume it is something positive and continue on your day, even if you can't think of a good reason. you can't think of every possible reason so don't stress about it.

our lives might be a little more positive and peaceful if we assumed the best of people and not the worst, at least until we can turn that assumption into true fact by verification.
"Before investigating, find no fault; examine first, then criticize... Dispute not about what is not your concern"[/quote]
[size=1]I still dont see it as necessary.
If you want to express your faith, might I suggest buying a crucifix or a miraculous medal?

I just dont believe a rosary is meant to be warn as a necklace but I appreciate your side too.



[/size]

[Noel's angel]

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1571525' date='Jun 15 2008, 05:27 AM']+J.M.J.+

gosh, i like you![/quote]


Thanks! The feeling is mutual

Crosscut, how is wearing a crucifix any different? It too is a symbol of faith, and people do wear them as fashion accessories too. While it may not be be necessary to wear these things, they may be helpful to some people. I wear my rosary ring on a chain around my neck, along with a miraculous medal. What makes that any different than wearing a rosary, which is after all simply an instrument of prayer?

Edited June 15, 2008 by Noel's angel

[CrossCuT]

[size=1]I just feel like necklaces are made to be necklaces and rosaries are made to be rosaries.
[/size]

[Lil Red]

+J.M.J.+
so you are against rosary bracelets and rosary rings too, right?

[Deb]

[quote name='Noel's angel' post='1571310' date='Jun 14 2008, 06:28 PM']Deb, I'm unsure about why you make the distinction between wearing a rosary and wearing a rosary ring.

When we wear anything-a scapular, medals, a crucifix, we aren't always consciously 'using' them, but that doesn't mean that we should take them off unless we are thinking about them or praying. It is unfortunate that many people do use them as a fashion statement, but that does not make it wrong for anyone to wear a rosary.[/quote]

The difference between wearing a rosary and the rosary ring I wear is that my ring does not scream out "look at me" I am wearing a rosary. The only thing anyone would notice is that I am wearing a small ring with a crucifix on it and you wouldn't even know it was a crucifix unless you got very close to it. The small points for the decade are not plainly visible, they are for my knowledge.

Whenever we choose to wear something that draws attention to us, we should ask ourselves what we are trying to accomplish by wearing it. If it is a low cut top on a woman, we know what she is putting on display, if it is a chapel viel, it is a symbol of piety and submission to God, if it is jewelry, we are dressing up our clothes etc. A rosary is not jewelry so what is the reason it is being worn as if it is? That is all I was trying to say. If you are not wearing it for fashion, why are you wearing it?

Wearing a crucifix with a medal on it is a reminder to us of our faith and it does identify us to others of the same faith and also to those not of the faith that we are Catholic. A rosary is a tool for praying. Would one tie a bible on their head and call it a hat? Carry a kneeler around with them tied to their back?

[Deb]

[quote name='johnnydigit' post='1571202' date='Jun 14 2008, 01:51 PM']i don't know if i should even explain myself, but i will humor you to show that we should never assume and always give people the benefit of the doubt. if we assume how a person is praying or not praying, then we have sunk to the level of those who accuse us of idolatry by looking at how we venerate.

my combat narrative was more for dramatic effect, so i exaggerated some points. i wore it because i lost my KofC rosary, which was my main rosary at the time. i had no rosary, i hadn't replaced my scapular yet, and i was wearing slacks and my pockets were full, so since it was a Rosary-scapular, i put it around my neck. having the crucifix in front of me often attracted my wandering mind and the knots would keep my hands busy by praying. a sign of piety could also be a reason, inasmuch as a religious habit testifies to piety. it drew much curiosity and sparked conversation.

if someone were to ask me in the manner you asked your question, i would probably give a brief answer and kindly walk away as i would sense it was more for argumentative purposes rather than genuine curiousity, in which case i would happily stay for further discussion.

i recently acquired black military rosaries. i try to carry spare miraculous medals to give away. i carry them for me, as well as for show, as well as to give away. i wear a crucifix, but i happen to want to wear more. i have one in my car, but i wanted more. i have one in my room, but i wanted more there too.

no, i wouldn't literally splash someone in the face with holy water, unless they were foaming at the mouth by a demon. no i don't literally wear all these at the same time, unless i knew there was a demon i'd have to fight.

Sirach 11-7:

7
Before investigating, find no fault; examine first, then criticize.
8
Before hearing, answer not, and interrupt no one in the middle of his speech.
9
Dispute not about what is not your concern; in the strife of the arrogant take no part.[/quote]

Actually, I very nicely asked you to define your comments that seemed very flippant regarding the issue of rosaries and sacraments. I did not assume anything about you, you just jumped on the defensive train assuming that I was assuming things about you. I guess I was investigating, looking to hear an answer before I formed an opinioin.
You could question why I would question your defensiveness though.

Edited June 16, 2008 by Deb

[Alycin]

[quote name='CrossCuT' post='1571489' date='Jun 14 2008, 10:02 PM'][size=1]I agree with Deb on this one...

On one of my previous posts I was a bit ify about it, but I just don’t feel good about that answer.
I find that wearing a rosary as a necklace is just not necessary.
If you want to pray with it, then pray with it, don’t hang it around your neck like a regular necklace.
How can wearing it around your neck NOT be a fashion statement anyway?
If you claim you are praying with it WHILE you are wearing it around your neck, why not just take it off and hold it? Why does it have to be around your neck?


[/size][/quote]

Wearing the rosary around one's neck doesn't make it a necklace. A necklace is a piece of jewelry usually meant for fashion but I know people who wear necklaces or other jewelry for sentimental value.

You can wear a rosary around your neck without it being a fashion statement quite easily--wear it underneath your clothes.

I don't think anyone said that a rosary HAS to be around the neck. I think people said that there isn't anything wrong with wearing it there with the right intent. You made the jump to "why does it have to be around your neck."

I personally don't like stuffing the crucifix into my pocket and picking the lint off of the beads later. I used to wear my rosary around my neck (but under my clothes) simply because it helped to keep my mind focused on Christ during the day, even when I wasn't praying. To each their own, I guess.

[johnnydigit]

[img]http://uccdelmar.jesusanswers.com/images/13_500x462.jpg[/img]

how dare she wear a sacramental used for prayer!



[img]http://www.mgc.org/Brdavid1.JPG[/img]

forget the liturgical police, we'll need a new congregation for this hypocrisy!

Edited June 18, 2008 by johnnydigit