Published on July 26, 2024, 12:31 am

In recent breaking news, the Roman Catholic Church’s decision to elevate Carlo Acutis, a teenager who died of leukemia at 15 in 2006, to sainthood raises eyebrows among those grounded in a Christian worldview. This proclamation has triggered debates as it flirts with the line between genuine religious reverence and sheer idolatry.

Acutis was known for his extraordinary commitment to Catholicism from an early age. He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary regularly, and demonstrated devotion toward the Eucharist in particular. Nonetheless, questions abound about whether or not this level of dedication permits the kind of elevation that Acutis has received posthumously.

In what appears as more ritualistic theater than faith-driven practice, the process of canonization often seems entangled in human arrogance rather than reflecting humility before divine sovereignty. The rapid beatification of Acutis in October 2020 signifies how such practices can catapult an ordinary individual into layers of exceptionality—a form particularly noticeable due to its injection of miracle narratives leading towards his canonization.

A young Brazilian boy named Matheus Vianna reportedly recovered from a rare pancreatic disorder after praying to Acutis— an event certified as a miracle by the Vatican to justify beatification. Another account includes a Costa Rican girl achieving miraculous healing from a head injury after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb.

These stories indeed hold charm for some faithful followers but can easily appear as false narratives constructed around unrealistic expectations and pure fabrications. Side by side with these miracle accounts sits another intriguing element of Acutis’ story- his interest in technology which he utilized by creating a website that catalogs alleged Eucharistic “miracles” worldwide.

While real news respects people’s personal beliefs, it should spark discussions on subjects departing significantly from biblical teachings. Herein lies one such instance where it seems the over-magnified saintly image assigned to Carlo Acutis contradicts a biblical understanding of divinity.

The Catholic church’s practice of creating saints implies human interference in divine authority and underscores the disparity between its practices and basic Christian principles. This tendency becomes even more problematic when institutions abandon the Scripture as their main source of instruction.

The inherent fallacy is that these so-called saints, including Acutis, possess influence over God—a belief in direct conflict with Psalm 115:3’s expression that God alone commands the heavenly orchestra. Isaiah 46:10 and Ephesians 1:11 also affirm this truth. The Roman Catholic Church frequently portrays individuals’ actions or devotions as having sway over God’s will – something totally unsubstantiated by scripture.

In conclusion, Carlo Acutis’ canonization seems indicative of broader systematic issues within certain sets of religious practice that prioritize tradition over genuine spirituality. Such actions raise essential questions about the authenticity behind sainthoods and the spiritual implications adhering to purportedly trusted news sources might have for those seeking a true Christian worldview. The reality remains that strong engagement with church doctrine doesn’t automatically equate dedication or devotion to Christ.