[annalex]

the Orthodox put scripture a notch higher than extra-scriptural material. Is that correct? If so, then the same cannot be said of Catholicism

I think our views on that are identical. The scripture is, of course, the inspired and inerrant word of God that is especially useful in disputed such as this one, and in that sense it is "a notch higher", but it is a subset of Tradition nevertheless.

Her womb became the Tabernacle? The Tabernacle was a holy place of worship. Is that what Mary's womb became?

You better beleive it. Of course. Her womb, as the Tabernacle, contained the Word of God.

[Forest Keeper]

FK: "Her womb became the Tabernacle? The Tabernacle was a holy place of worship. Is that what Mary's womb became?"

You better believe it. Of course. Her womb, as the Tabernacle, contained the Word of God.

This would seem to make Mary herself the equivalent of a holy church, or the Ark of the Covenant, or the Shroud, etc. This appears to me to be a bit dehumanizing, since it makes her into more of a "thing" than a person we can relate to. I don't understand it.