Keep up the good work!

I am what most people would refer to as “protestant” by means of doctrine. Though I don’t necessarily agree with everything posted here about Mary, I refuse to let disagreements about doctrine sour relationships between “catholic” friends and me.

Regarding my own views on Mary based on my own instruction and study, I’ve come up with a slightly different viewpoint. Again, I’m merely presenting perspective and do not wish to send rifts. I agree that Mary is not to be worshipped, but instead looked to as an example. However, I don’t go so far as to call her “God’s perfect creation”. The reason is that I don’t find such a title related to Mary in the Bible. When she was initially approached by the angel, Mary was frightened, as any normal person would be. Once the message was delivered, and her questions answered, she proclaimed herself “the handmaiden of the Lord”. In context, if she was truly God’s perfect creation, I would think that she would not have had any questions at all regarding God’s power. She portrays herself as a humble servant girl, not understanding fully but willing to be a vessel. Thus, I put Mary in the same category as I do Samuel or Gideon or Jeremiah. God had a marvelous plan set for her as he sets a plan for all who truly follow Him. Mary is a wonderful role model for us to emulate, respect and admire. But I do stop short of elevating her to the level of sinless or perfect. If it was possible to be perfect without being God, Jesus would never have needed to come and sacrifice himself to make us so.

Jesus’ view of Mary is interesting, but I do disagree on having love for Mary in any way close to our love of the Savior. I look at the passage stated above and can easily see the train of thought towards Mary as the mother of all believers. However, if that were so, I’m curious as to why Jesus’ comments were directed at one specific disciple. Also, why then would Mary live in his home, instead of all the disciples pitching in? Just looking directly at the text, it seems much more likely to me that Jesus was simply entrusting his earthly mother’s care to one of his closest friends. But, that’s just the way the text reads to me. I just try to believe what I read, not read what I believe. If I have to stretch my imagination to explain the text, it makes me nervous that I may miss the intended message.

One very interesting point that I wanted to touch on was the above stated views on communing with Mary or other deceased individuals. I found your viewpoint fascinating if nothing else. We tread on centuries of argument regarding this issue. Can the dead really intercede for us? If they do, do they hear us if we “pray” to them? In Revelation it speaks of the martyrs who call out for justice before the throne. Clearly the dead have their own voices before God in Heaven. I’ve often wondered if the saints who passed on before me can or would take an interest in my present life. I don’t really have an answer for that one, and so I won’t do any criticizing on this point. However, I personally believe that my prayers are better suited going directly to God himself. Why would I ask someone to speak to my Father (Mary included) when I can do it personally? I don’t know if it’s wrong to ask someone else, but I prefer doing the talking.

I’m one of those people who depend entirely on the Bible to establish doctrine. Teachings from old pastors, popes, church leaders, or anyone else should be measured directly against the infallible Word of God. Any doctrines not clearly defined in the Bible should be taken as debatable. This doesn’t mean that they’re not important. The Bible doesn’t necessarily outline every jot and tiddle for us, but gives us exactly what we need to be in fellowship with God and with each other. The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when He gave us his Word. Questions about Mary’s role outside the gospel narratives are speculative because we aren’t told. We make assumptions and try to draw out from scripture those specifics. Perhaps our assumptions are correct, perhaps correct to a point, or perhaps wrong entirely. As long as we recognize our different doctrines for what they are, there should never be any reason to break fellowship with other believers.

Thank you, Liesl for outlining your thoughts for everyone. I pray that my own perspective was not too harsh or abrasive. As long as you recognize that Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the only way to have fellowship with God, you are my sibling and fellow warrior. I’m proud to stand by you and pray for your needs.

God grant us wisdom and kindness.