The Communion of Saints: Any Friend of God's Is a Friend of Mine (1996)

This is a book of modern apologetics addressing ordinary Catholics. Here, Patrick Madrid addresses one of the contentious issues between Catholic traditions and Protestant-evangelical doctrines, namely the communion of saints and the practice of Marian devotion. The book examines the arguments on both sides and demonstrates that the intercession of the Holy Virgin and the saints of the Church is biblical, reasonable, and rooted in early Christian traditions.  

Most of the anti-Catholic criticism arises from misunderstanding the Catholic terminology. The very first chapter of the book focuses on the fundamental misunderstanding propagated by Protestants: Catholics “worship” Mary and saints. Common evangelical objections are founded on the premise of Christ as the “one mediator”. Hence, the veneration of saints and intercessory prayers are dubbed as “necromancy” and “idolatry.”

            Rather than relying primarily on Church authority, Madrid cites Scripture as the common ground with Protestants in this issue. He clarifies that Catholics do not “worship” saints. They honor them and ask for their prayers. Paul's teaching about the “mystical body of Christ” forms the biblical foundation for the communion of saints. The Church is not merely an earthly institution but a supernatural family united in Christ.  Worship (adoration) is due to God alone, and honor or veneration is given to saints as faithful servants of God, who are alive in Christ and remain part of the Christian community.

There are not two Churches -- one in heaven and one on earth. Since all Christians -- on earth and in heaven -- remain united in the one Body of Christ, asking the saints for their prayers is simply an extension of the biblical practice of Christians praying for one another. It is not necromancy (i.e. occult knowledge or power), but communion with living members of Christ's body. It does not challenge Christ's unique status as mediator. If intercessory prayer is acceptable among believers on earth, there is no biblical reason why believers in heaven cannot also pray for us.  

Citing 1 Timothy 2:5 ("one mediator between God and man"), Protestants highlight Christ's role as the one mediator which seemingly cancels all other intercession. Madrid responds that if Christ's unique mediation were to preclude all other intercession, then Christians should never ask anyone else to pray for them. Scripture encourages intercessory prayer; the saints’ prayers participate in Christ's mediation rather than compete with it.

The Bible provides examples of heavenly intercession by prophets, saints, believers, and angels offering prayers before God. Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus at the Transfiguration show that heavenly intercession is compatible with God's plan.  Writings of the early Church fathers and the historical practices of the early Church supported the veneration of saints long before the Reformation. Christian fellowship extends beyond physical death. Communication through prayer is possible within the mystical Body. Saints can intercede for the faithful without compromising Christ's unique mediation. Romans 8 teaches that not even death separates believers from Christ.