Free Republic

The claim that Marian devotion in Catholicism is derived from pagan goddess worship—specifically Ishtar, Diana, or Astarte—is a persistent but thoroughly discredited myth rooted in 19th-century anti-Catholic propaganda, most notably Alexander Hislop’s *The Two Babylons* (1853). This narrative, often recycled in modern social media and evangelical circles, alleges that Mary’s veneration as the Mother of God (Theotokos) or Queen of Heaven is a Christianized version of ancient pagan goddess cults. However, linguistic, historical, biblical, and cultural evidence reveals no connection. This compiled text is inspired by discussions with our fellow freepers and I hope offers a detailed, accessible refutation of...

My Catholic in-laws get together one Saturday each month to break bread and to pray the rosary. They always invite me and my wife to join them – in hope, I suspect, that my wife will return to the Catholic faith of her youth and that her husband, a lifelong Protestant, will convert. With the start of the new year, we decided we would attend the family’s very first montly gathering. And I very much enjoyed spending time with my in-laws. But during the almost hour-long, ritualistic praying of the rosary, I never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit....

Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God   KontakionTo you, / powerful Queen and Ruler, we sing/ this song of praise to you, Mother of God. Since you/ have unconquerable power, Protect us/ from all danger so that we may sing to you: Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden - ever-pure! Ode 1From the Soul An archangel was sent from Heaven, to greet the Mother of God. And as he saw You, O Lord, assuming human form, he stood rapt in amazement and cried out to her in these words:Rejoice, O you, though whom joy will shine forth! Rejoice, O you, through...