[CommerceComet]

Again, I cannot understand how any Christian could see Mary as being a minor player, considering her selection by God and considering whose mother she is. She is unique and forever will be Jesus' mother.

Protestants have no problems with honoring Mary and recognizing her true role in the God's redemptive plan. Where we draw the line is at the unsubstantiated claims of a greater role for Mary.

In many ways, I see Mary's role as like the role of John the Baptist. Each had an important, but limited role, in God's redemptive plan. It is Jesus Christ, the long-expected Messiah, the Second Person of the Godhead, who saves us and has the preeminent role. John the Baptist realized his limited role when he stated "He must increase and I must decrease" (John 3:30). John was the last in the line of Messianic Prophets to announce the coming Messiah (Luke 16:16) - that was his role. John the Baptist was the lucky prophet who got to say "There he is" and point to Jesus Christ in the the flesh. Once his role was completed, he moved to the background.

Mary had the role of bearing the physical flesh of Jesus. She bore him and provided care for the young Jesus but once Jesus had reached adulthood, Mary's role is essentially over. God's redemptive plan proceeds through His Son, not Mary. Remember in Luke 11:27-28 when someone in the crowd tried to elevate Mary, Jesus responded by directing the attention away from his mother. It is also worth noting that Jesus asserted that John the Baptist, not Mary, was the greatest borne of woman.

Don't fall into the same trap as many Catholics who falsely assert that challenging their wild claims about Mary is the same as disrespecting Mary. There is much to honor in Mary based on what Scripture unambiguously says about her. What we disrespect is the mythical Mary who is promoted as the co-mediator, co-redemptrix of the Christian faith.

[JesusIsLord]

I ascribe no deity or grace (outside of Christ's) in Mary. On the other hand, to believe that she holds no unique and special place in history and heaven would be a lie.

She is and always will be Jesus' mother. This alone should make Christians respect her and give her a place of great, great honor.

Roman Catholics have ascribed to Mary qualities that belong to God alone. Many Protestants marginalize Mary because to do otherwise would somehow reflect partial elements of the RC view, which is anathema to many Protestants.

Both views are wrong.