OOOO Jocko, you make an EXCELLENT point...wish I had thought of that. Its the same argument I have : am all too ready to honor Mary for her blessed role in our salvation, but not willing to go so far as to say she is to be the Pathway itself. It is too easy a step for deification by saying she was an immaculate conception herself.
As a Roman Catholic, I'd like to just point out that I haven't the faintest clue what you two are talking about.
For example, if blessed Mary's Immaculate Conception means that Jesus could not have been true God and true man, then we'd have to equally admit that Eve could not have had human children if the Fall had not taken place, because Eve in her unfallen state was more, not less, privileged than Mary was. Cain and Abel would have been what, then ... demigods? Not likely!
Maybe the two of you could start be explaining what you think the term "Immaculate Conception" means.
Sigh. Thank you Alkhin. My only comment is this: Here's how I feel about the Lord Jesus, quoting, written by Don Jernigan,
"Who can satisfy my soul like You?
Who on earth, could comfort me
and love me like You do?
Who could ever be more faithful true?
I will trust in You; I will trust in You, my God.
There is a fountain who is a King
Victorious Warrior and Lord of everything
My Rock, my Shelter,
My very own
Blessed Redeemer, who reigns up
on the throne
Living water, rain down Your life on me
Cleasing me, refreshing me with life abundantly
River, full of life, I'll go where You lead
I will trust in You, I will trust in You, my God.
There is a fountain who is a King
Victorious Warrior and Lord of everything
My Rock, my Shelter,
My very own
Blessed Redeemer, who reigns up
on the throne
### Did not mean to start any debate. Not up to that. That's all. ###