The issue is not "growth of understanding." It is communication through the words used.
"Mary mother of Jesus the Christ" is simply more clear than is "Mary mother of God."
Anytime one speaks clearly, then understanding is enhanced. "Mary mother of Jesus the Christ" would have been more understandable then, too.
ping to 7586
"Anytime one speaks clearly, then understanding is enhanced. "Mary mother of Jesus the Christ" would have been more understandable then, too."
Why do you suppose so many uneducated Christians have had no problem whatsoever with it for nearly 1700 years? Perhaps because they were taught what it means by their priests?
Now pronouncing it "aright" is a different matter entirely Padre. My personal favorites among innovative pronounciations are "Thayoughtickus" and "Thayotokios" (the former said with a broad Oxford accent)! :)
Mother of God is clearer. Mother of Christ invites the question, well, she is mother of God then, no? Or is Christ not God?
There is no substitution for literacy.