I've come to realize that it's usually pointless to argue with them about Mary. She means more to them than Jesus Christ. Even Luther talked about the idea they were taught that Jesus was hard and aloof, judgmental and stern, and that they would have better luck appealing to His Mom since she was sweeter and nicer. Astonishing, really. At least we know why we don't agree with them on their Marian dogmas and we have Scripture AND reason to back it up. It is definitely NOT because we hate her or disrespect her. Jesus is who saves us - He is the object of our worship. His glory He will not share with another.
Amen. Yes Mary was blessed. She likely spent more time with Jesus than any other human. She was at His feet when He died for us. Likely she saw Him after the Resurrection as well. She was blessed because of what God did for her not because of any merit or sinlessness of her own. There is no queen of heaven only a King. God would not have left that important a detail out of scripture.
The real travesty is painting the One who died for us and freely gives us all things as a petty tyrant that has to be appeased by mommy before grudgingly giving us anything. Christ rushes to meet us in our need and supplies far more than we could ever imagine. He eagerly wants fellowship with us - as much as that boggles the mind. God is not our stern and aloof father but our loving daddy. Mary worship turns the gospel of grace on its head and puts another equal or even superior to God - in catholic mythology Christ has to obey Mary.... What a tragedy that robs catholics is the relationship God desires.
LOL, a retroactive sin nature. Now that, is funny. Its a good question, though. Just my opinion, but I think that every young Jewish girl dreamed of being the mother of the savior. They may not have completely understood it. I dont think Mary understood it. She had to ask how, since she didnt know a man, sexually.
This so called choice idea is bogus. The angel Gabriel, didnt ask Mary for her permission. He TOLD her what was going to happen. There was no choice involved.
I think you are on to something. Its pointless to argue with Catholics about Mary. I dont agree with them, on Mary, but, whatever. 😁
It would have made NO difference!
She was TOLD what WAS going to happen; period!
Luke 1:26-38 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
26 And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.
31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever.
33 And of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man?
35 And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shalt come upon thee, and the power of the most High shalt overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shalt be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren:
37 Because no word shalt be impossible with God.
38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
(shall / shalt is NOT 'asking' Mary if she'll do something for GOD)
(This ain't CONSENTING)