[ealgeone]

Why not just rely upon how the texts describe Mary?

The catholic position elevates Mary to something not suggested by the text. It has further led to the titles of advocate, mediatrix and coredemtrix none of which are even hinted at in Scripture.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I explained that at #172. The question being debated was, is Jesus a Divine Person? The dogma of Mary, Mother of God, is about Jesus. It isn't about her "person" and "nature," but about His.

I just finished reading "The Apostasy that Wasn't," by Rod Bennett, which is an account of the run-up, event, and aftermath of the Council of Nicaea.. It puts a big emphasis on the sheer apostolic obstinacy of Athanasius

Athanasius Contra Mundum!

Usually the trouble was fomented by heretical bishops. Rich and powerful ones. Athanasius was just a deacon at Nicaea, practically the youngest (and poorest) person there!

If it were not for heretics, i.e. "wayward bishops with creative new ideas," doctrine would remain undeveloped because there wouldn't have been questions that urgently needed answering.

I mention this because it is amazing how every detail of true Christology had to be hammered out, not because folks didn't have anything else to do, or enjoyed splitting hairs and minting new words (homoouisos? dang) but because they were being massively challenged by people in high places (emperors, archbishops of major sees, etc) who denied the full divinity of Christ, the full humanity of Christ, Christ as possessing two natures, or Christ as being one undivided Person.

The history of the Council of Ephesus will show you why a clarification like "Mother of God" was needed, because it will show what question was being answered.

[Elsie]

The catholic position elevates Mary to something not suggested by the text.

HERETIC PROT!!!

Oh... Wait!!

The way it's written:

 

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

 

The way Rome teaches it:

 

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a....

 

Co-Redemptrix, 
Ark of the Covenant,
Cause of Our Joy,

Cause of our Salvation ,
Comfort of the Afflicted,
Destroyer of Heresy,
Ever-virgin ,
Favoured Daughter of the Father,
Gate of Heaven,
God-bearer,
Health of the Sick,
Help of Christians,
Holy Mary,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of Virgins,
House of Gold,
Joy of the Just,
Majesty,
Mirror of Justice,
Morning Star,
Most Holy,
Mother Admirable,
Mother Inviolate,
Mother Most Amiable,
Mother Most Chaste,
Mother Most Pure,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of Divine Grace,
Mother of God,
Mother of Good Counsel,
Mother of Mercy,
Mother of Orphans,
Mother of Our Creator,
Mother of Our Redeemer,
Mother of Sorrows,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of the Poor,
Mother of the Word,
Mother Thrice Admirable,
Mother Undefiled,
Mystical Rose,
Nova Eva (the New Eve),
Our Lady of Compassion,
Our Lady of Confidence,
Our Lady of Victory,
Our Lady, Star of the Sea,
Our Mother of Perpetual Help,
Queen Assumed Into Heaven,
Queen Conceived Without Original Sin,
Queen of All Saints,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Families,
Queen of Heaven,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Peace,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary,
Queen of Virgins,
Ravisher of Hearts,
Refuge of Sinners,
Seat of Wisdom,
She Who Shows the Way,
Singular Vessel of Devotion,
Spiritual Vessel,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
Tabernacle of the Lord,
Temple of the Most Holy Trinity,
Throne of Wisdom,
Tower of David,
Tower of Ivory,
Treasure House of God's Graces,
Untier of Knots,
Vessel of Honor,
Virgin God-bearer,
Virgin Most Faithful,
Virgin Most Merciful,
Virgin Most Powerful,
Virgin Most Prudent,
Virgin Most Renowned,
Virgin Most Venerable       

 

 

   born under the law, ⁵ to HELP redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship; sooner or later; and not spend TOO much time in Purgatory.