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Why is it so important to you that we affirm, like you, that Mary is the "mother of God"?...Why is it not enough for you or the R Catholic church for us to say JESUS is GOD?

We want you to affirm it because it is true and because it will be one instance in which we can agree....

But what about my second question: Why is it not enough for you...(etc)?

Because as we have found here, many folks are very confused with their Christology and use the opportunity to deny Mary her role as theotokos to display their confusion. we hear talk of Mary birthing only "the human half" of Jesus and such. Just saying "Jesus is God" is not sufficient. One must at least also say "and He always was God, even when in the womb." This logically implies theotokos.

Thank you for your response in re: kecharitomene. I see all Christians as full of grace as we have all received the full dispensation of God's grace, else he could not dwell in our "sin-wracked" bodies. If we have received less of God's grace than Mary or a different sort of grace, how does one quantify that? Are there some people that God just gives enough grace to barely sprinkle over their sins and to others they get a grace tsunami? Or does God freely dispense his grace to all without measure?

We confess that we are given a full measure of sanctifying, or saving, grace at Baptism. By our actions we may literally "fall out of grace," that is, lose our grace. Partially, drip by drip, or all at once with major bad actions. This is not because God failed, but rather our own refusal of the grace of God. This grace is restored through repentence and forgiveness and this grace is strengthened by participating in the sacraments. We will need to be "full" of grace in order to stand before the Lord's throne. (Being full of grace leaves no room for sin.)

Jesus was God in the womb, but that has nothing to do with Mary being without OS. It was not necessary for Mary to be sinless before, during, or after Christ was in her womb. The doctrine of the IC was created to support this view. The sin nature is passed on by the father, NOT the mother. Hence the necessity for the Holy Spirit to concieve the Child in her womb. Read Romans 5:12-21. Sinned entered the world though Adam. There is no mention of Eve, eventhough she was the one who sinned first.

JM