Some Protestants think that the Reformation went too far and that there should be a role for the Virgin Mary in Christian devotion. What do you think of this trend?
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Virgin Mary
Some Protestants think that the Reformation went too far and that there should be a role for the Virgin Mary in Christian devotion. What do you think of this trend?
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10 comments:
I don't think we should be afraid to explore her role in the NT and possible give her more a place in our Christian life than we do...
I think Mary should have a strong place as a Christian role model, especially for women. On the other hand, some of the Catholic theology borders on idolatry. I have an obvious problem with that.
Jesus is the pathway to God, not Mary or Paul or Peter. We still need to keep the focus where it belongs.
I'm way too Calvinist to go down this particular path!
Mary is an ok role model for Christian women, but I think there are better ones in the Bible. Martha and Mary of Bethany and Priscilla come to mind.
John,
Mary is a great Christian Role model for both women and men.
She is the Mother of Christ, the co-eternal, second person of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, she is rightfully given the title, "Mother of God". But with that said, I agree with Jeff in the fact that Maryology within the Roman Catholic tradition borders on idolatry. Mary was not perfect nor was she without sin, and I don't even think that she remained a virgin after Christ was born. We should not pray to Mary or to any other saint, only to God in the example set by Christ. However, with that said, Mary is a great role model and we should strive to immitate her examples and her faith.
Ditto what Keith said.
I think that the novelty of Marianism in some Protestant churches is a well-founded but theologically dangerous idea.
NOt only can it be theologically dangerous but it is definetly sociologically troubling. Taken to extremes, the raising up of Mary as a perfect role model (which has happened in the past) tells women that to be acceptable they need to be VIrgin Mothers--now that ain't going to happen.
But the one benefit of traditional Mariology is that it helps add a feminine aspect to the Godhead. That is needed, but can easily be done with Sophia as in Proverbs.
I hadn't thought of it that way, Gord. But yes, a very high Mariology (besides being heretical) could hurt women.
Wait a second -- in my first comment (#6)-- I said that Marianism was "well founded". What on earth was I talking about? Scratch that. It isn't founded in anything.
I love Mary the mother of Jesus ... is there a more sublime passage of holy writ as:
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
That said it is important to note that this beloved woman is not the mother of God ... such an affirmation puts Mary on par with The Father.
Kansas Bob,
I don't think that simply because Mary is give the title, "Mother of God" means that she is on par with the Father. I don't see that at all.
Who is Christ? Christ is God. He and the Father are One.
Who is Mary? Mary is Christ's mother.
That in no way puts Mary on the same plane as God the Father. She is just as much a part of God's Creation as you or I. No more, no less. But it does mean that she is deserving of that title, simply by being Christ's Mother. That doesn't make her equal to the Father at all. That is just another component of the great mystery and complex, awesomeness of the Holy Trinity.
I guess it really doesn't matter, it is one of those arguments in Christianity on par with whether or not we should baptize infants. I look at Mary as a role model of Faith and Obediance who I can only hope and dream to imitate.
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