MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
What attitude should Christians have towards Mary, the mother of Jesus? Should we worship and praise her? Should we pray to Mary as the "Co-Redeemer" of humanity?
One Roman Catholic "Saint" claimed that, "At the command of Mary all obey, even God. She is omnipotent, for the queen, according to all laws, enjoys the same privileges as the king; and since the son's power also belongs to the mother, this Mother is made omnipotent by an omnipotent Son." (Alphonsus Ligouri, The Glories Of Mary, [New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co.], p. 114).
Several years ago Time magazine carried an article about Mary and the viewpoint many have towards her. "Among all the women who have ever lived, the mother of Jesus Christ is the most celebrated, the most venerated, the most portrayed, the most honored in the naming of girl babies and churches. Even the Koran praises her chastity and faith. Among Roman Catholics, the Madonna is recognized not only as the Mother of God but also, according to modern Popes, as the Queen of the Universe, Queen of Heaven, Seat of Wisdom and even the Spouse of the Holy Spirit." (Richard N. Ostling, "Handmaid or Feminist?" Time, Dec. 30, 1991, p. 62).
There is no question Mary was honored by being selected to bring the Son of God into this world. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:28). In view of the confusion about Mary, I believe it would be good for us to explore a few of the myths Roman Catholics have perpetuated about Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Many people confuse the phrase "immaculate conception" with "virgin birth." These words do not refer to the same thing. Karl Keating, a noted Catholic apologist, explains it like this: "The Immaculate Conception means that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was conceived in the womb of her mother without the stain of original sin. The essence of original sin consists in the lack of sanctifying grace. Mary was preserved from this defect; from the first instant of her existence she was in the state of sanctifying grace." (Karl Keating, Catholicism And Fundamentalism, [San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1988], p. 270).
In a booklet distributed by The Knights of Columbus there is a section on the fall of man. The book speaks of inherited sin and attempts to explain how the "defects" of Adam were "passed on to his children as a man may pass certain qualities by heredity. First of these defects was, of course, the original sin. Adam's children (and we are all Adam's children) were born without grace. And all inherited other evils as well" (Imprimatur of John F. Whealon, The Apostles' Creed, p. 10).
The Bible never speaks of "inherited sin." Instead, it teaches "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself." (Ezek. 18:20).
Mary did not inherit any sin from her parents-no one ever inherits the sins of others. Mary did commit sin. We know this because she, like the rest of humanity, needs a Savior. She said, "my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47). You cannot save that which is not lost! (to be continued)
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
