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To: redleghunter; ThisLittleLightofMine; Gamecock; Salvation; metmom; boatbums; GarySpFc; smvoice
>>He wants us to study and learn the Scriptures...Focused on HIM, everything about HIM.<<

We also need to understand that the writings of Paul and the apostles was also considered scripture. Peter believed the writings of Paul to be scripture as he included them with scripture.

2 Peter 3:15b. As also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given him, [16] as in all his letters, speaking concerning these matters, in which some things are hard to understand, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also THE OTHER SCRIPTURES. [17] You then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being let away with the delusion of the lawless.

As for Mary, I see no one “dragging her through the mud”. There is more disservice done to her name by placing her in a position that scripture does not support. The concept of a “queen of heaven” is of pagan origin and clearly God had denounced any inclusion of paganism in serving Him.

117 posted on 11/20/2013 2:10:46 PM PST by CynicalBear (For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ)
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To: CynicalBear; ThisLittleLightofMine; Gamecock; metmom; boatbums; GarySpFc; smvoice; ...
There is more disservice done to her name by placing her in a position that scripture does not support. The concept of a “queen of heaven” is of pagan origin and clearly God had denounced any inclusion of paganism in serving Him.

The unScriptural ascriptions to Mary and supererogation of adoration of her as almost part of the Godhead - indeed beyond God in the number of titles - is the issue.

And which applies whether officially or by Catholics (with implicit sanction of authority), and which uniqueness and exaltation parallels that of Christ:

For in the the Catholic quest to almost deify Mary, it is taught by Catholics*,

Mary was a holy, virtuous instrument of God, but of whom Scripture says relatively little, while holy fear ought to restrain ascribing positions, honor, glory and powers to a mortal that God has not revealed as given to them, and or are only revealed as being possessed by God Himself. But like as the Israelites made an instrument of God an object of worship, (Num. 21:8,9; 2Kg. 18:4) Catholics have magnified Mary far beyond what is written and warranted and even allowed, based on what is in Scripture.

In addition, although (technically) Mary is not to be worshiped in the same sense that God is worshiped, yet the distinctions between devotion to Mary and the worship of God are quite fine, and much due to the psychological appeal of a heavenly mother (especially among those for whom Scripture is not supreme), then the historical practice of Catholics has been to exalt Mary above that which is written. As the Catholic Encyclopedia states, "By the sixteenth century, as evidenced by the spiritual struggles of the Reformers, the image of Mary had largely eclipsed the centrality of Jesus Christ in the life of believers." (Robert C. Broderick, ed., The Catholic Encyclopedia, revised and updated; NY: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987, pp.32,33)

The practice of praying to departed saints and Mary was one that developed, helped by pagan influences, for Scripture provides no example of any believer praying to anyone in Heaven by the Lord, and reveals that doing otherwise was a practice of pagans, including to the “Queen of Heaven.” (Jer. 44:17,18,19,25). The Catholic Encyclopedia admits that a further reinforcement of Marian devotion, “was derived from the cult of the angels, which, while pre-Christian in its origin, was heartily embraced by the faithful of the sub-Apostolic age. It seems to have been only as a sequel of some such development that men turned to implore the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. This at least is the common opinion among scholars, though it would perhaps be dangerous to speak too positively. Evidence regarding the popular practice of the early centuries is almost entirely lacking...,” (Catholic Encyclopedia > Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary) Yet, as expected, it imagines this practice came from the apostles and NT church, but which never exampled or instructed it, and instead showed that the believer has immediate access to God in the Divine Christ, (Heb. 10:19), who is the all sufficient and immediate intercessor between God (the Father) and man. (Heb. 2:17,18; 4:15,16) To the glory of God

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119 posted on 11/20/2013 2:28:15 PM PST by daniel1212 (Come to the Lord Jesus as a contrite damned+destitute sinner, trust Him to save you, then live 4 Him)
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