The Worship of Mary? (An Observation)

[John Leland 1789]

“Are you a Roman Catholic or a Protestant? “

The question was not directed to me in this case.

I keep on stating that I am a Christian without a connection to Catholicism (in the Roman/Vatican sense), and without a connection to Protestantism (in the Geneva sense). I think Protestants can more readily understand that.

It could be argued that there is a “catholic” sense in my “ecclesiology.” But “universal” and “visible” are two words that would clash (if someone is accustomed to “Vaticanish” terminology). And it could be argued that I am “protestant” in the sense that I do certainly protest many things. I especially PROTEST being labeled either Catholic or Protestant. I PROTEST against the very idea that all who name the Lovely Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God manifest in the flesh, the Redeemer of sinful man with the once-for-ever propitious Sacrifice of His Life's Blood, must be categorized as either a Catholic (whether it be Roman, “Orthodox, Coptic, or what have you) or Protestant (linked to Geneva).

[mgist]

Like some like to insinuate after totally insulting others, "Oh you always play the victim"

I admit I get mad. I'm working on it improving my virtues. At least I don't have the guts to announce my faith in God, and how I am saved, then turn around and insult Catholics, say others aren't saved (I still wonder who tells them these things?), and insult God's dedicated servants, like the Pope, in the same post. That's just sick!

[netmilsmom]

>>Why don’t you take the gloves off and show your real mean-spirited self?<<

Hey, My Dear FRiend, those who dish out personal nasty should expect to get it back. I’m sure you didn’t see this line from Dr. E to mgist.

>>Has the “mystery which hath been hid from the ages and from generations” “now been made manifest” to you, mgist?<<

If anyone steps over the line, it should expect to be returned.

(sorry I’m late to the party, we had no power for 20 hours)

[Philo-Junius]

“Why not the Patriarchs and the Prophets whose contributions were all so necessary to bring about the coming of our Lord? Truly, it could be argued that each provided a piece necessary to the whole, even as Mary did. Granted, Mary’s participation was of a more personal physical nature, but all of them were deeply altered, all were subjected to pain and ridicule, and many died in the service of our Lord.”

Perhaps the personal, physical nature of it indeed has something to do with it. The incarnational aspects of Catholicism and Orthodoxy always seem to give Protestants the willies.

[Alamo-Girl]

I haven't posted an article in an age. I'm working on one now regarding the observer problem that touches on the complementarity principle, among other things. Maybe if I ever get it finished up I'll post it in the Philosophy archive. :^)

Oh I do hope you finish it and get it posted. It has been way too long since we've had a good discussion of philosophy.

And I'm thrilled that you pray the 23^rd Psalm daily! What a testimony it is. "Because the Lord is my Shepherd I have everything I need."

To God be the glory!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so very much for sharing your insights, dear sister in Christ!

Amazing! When our children were small we read to them from the Westminster Shorter Catechism which was intended for children as well as adults. I can't imagine any Christian denomination not finding comfort in its words...

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God,[1] and to enjoy him forever.[2]

Indeed. And it shows how far our public education has fallen since the courts decided God is not to be petitioned or discussed in publicly funded K-12 schools.

God used to be the most important "subject" in a basic education.

My husband and I were just watching a TV show about the early Christian martyrs under Nero. It is astounding to realize these men and women faced such terrible deaths with total confidence in their salvation by Christ. How could Christianity not be true if so many died so willingly for the glory of Christ risen? How could such a meager minority grow to take over the entire world with the Good News of Christ risen if it were not God's will?

So very true.

[Alamo-Girl]

Amen!

[Dr. Eckleburg]

So you’re a Baptist. 8~)

[John Leland 1789]

So you’re a Baptist. 8~)
***************************

Yes, my fine Presbyterian Brother.

[fortheDeclaration]

Amen to your post!

[fortheDeclaration]

and particularly fierce toward know-it-all, arrogant RELIGIOUS leaders who construed their RELIGIOUS rules and dogma to be THE supreme RELIGIOUS reality always residing in the lofty heights way above all others.

Amen. Matthew 23!

[fortheDeclaration]

I know many saved Catholics. But most of them left the church. Some stayed, but most left.

If they were saved they got saved by not believing what the Roman Catholic Church teaches and by believing the true Gospel of salvation by grace alone in Christ alone.

No one is saved as a Roman Catholic, they are saved by rejecting what Catholicism teaches.

[Quix]

THANKS FOR YOUR KIND AFFIRMATION.

MAT 23

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I think, though, it comes down (and this is NOT intended as some kind of argument) to our thinking about the intimate union between Jesus and Mary.

If this is not "some kind of argument" putting forth a position, what then is it?

Further, I don't think God intends for human beings to spend much time at all pondering the "intimate union between Jesus and Mary."

Christ certainly didn't when he rebuked those who would praise His mother and He instead directed the praise at all those who believe in Him.

In fact, to this Protestant sensibility, the veneration and kneeling and praying to and adoration and elevation of Mary is quite unseemly, to say the least.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I’m your fine Presbyterian sister. 8~)

[fortheDeclaration]

Amen to your post! Christ put the word of God above honoring His human mother (Lk.11:27-28)

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Hey, My Dear FRiend, those who dish out personal nasty should expect to get it back. I'm sure you didn't see this line from Dr. E to mgist.

Huh??! Are you serious?

How in the world is my line to mgist...

"Has the "mystery which hath been hid from the ages and from generations" "now been made manifest" to you, mgist?"

in any way even remotely similar to her calling me a member of "Al Qaeda!?!"

Your post is laughable and reveals a true lack of perspective.

[Quix]

AMEN!

THX

HEAVEN AND EARH SHALL PASS AWAY. MY WORD SHALL NOT PASS AWAY —JESUS THE CHRIST THE LIVING WORD

I think that the RC edifice makes a huge mistake any time it even hints at diminishing SCRIPTURE . . . all the worse when on the one hand it diminishes emphasis on Scripture and on the other hand it emphasizes galactic jumps BEYOND inordinately things like Mary, magisterical, political power mongers and the like. There will come a time of judgment. God said judgment would begin with the house of God. A lot of the hierarchy are in some big trouble. And have been a very long time.