Protestant Christians: Are you afraid of Mary?

[Mannyfit75]

All this talk of Mary concerns me. Catholics and Orthodox Christians honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In Protestant Christianity, she is rarely mentioned at all. So are you afraid of Mary, the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ?

 

[pedja]

We are not afraid of her. We just dont pray to the dead, thats all.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

We are not afraid of her. We just dont pray to the dead, thats all.

But wouldn’t you agree that anyone in heaven, free forever from sin, is even more alive than we are?

 

[Mannyfit75]

We are not afraid of her. We just dont pray to the dead, thats all.

She isn’t dead. Revelation 12:1 shows a woman clothed with the sun. She also gave birth to a male child who will rule all nations with an iron rod. This child, we believe to be Jesus, and since Mary gave birth to Jesus, this woman individualistically can be identified as Mary.

Mary isn’t dead my friend.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Why do you think we would be afraid of her? Just because we dont elevate her higher then the bible does?

We just arent going beyond what the bible says is all. We/I think Mary is a fantastic example of how to submit or bend your will to God’s will. But, you know there are many , many examples of other people in the bible doing the very same thing–so—

 

[Mannyfit75]

Why do you think we would be afraid of her?

She is rarely preached by Protestant ministers. I have heard Protestant mention Paul, John, Peter even and James. They also preached about Sarah, and Abraham.

Just because we dont elevate her higher then the bible does?

It’s not the question of elevation. It’s the lack of talking about the woman who gave birth to the savior of the world?

We just arent going beyond what the bible says is all. We/I think Mary is a fantastic example of how to submit or bend your will to God’s will. But, you know there are many , many examples of other people in the bible doing the very same thing–so—

The odd thing is. Like I said, Protestant ministers mentioned OT heroes, and the Apostles in their preaching. Rarely do they mention Mary except perhaps during Christmas. It’s like that Mary is a taboo or something.

 

[SyCarl]

She is rarely preached by Protestant ministers. I have heard Protestant mention Paul, John, Peter even and James. They also preached about Sarah, and Abraham.

We have had a number of sermons about Mary as a model. The Apostles that you refer to are spoken of primarily in terms of the books they wrote in the Bible such John says this or Pauls tells us about something.

The odd thing is. Like I said, Protestant ministers mentioned OT heroes, and the Apostles in their preaching. Rarely do they mention Mary except perhaps during Christmas. It’s like that Mary is a taboo or something.

While I don’t pray to or through Mary, I will pray to be like her in ways such as humility and in trusting God. I also pray to have the faith of David and the courage of Daniel.

 

[Mannyfit75]

We have had a number of sermons about Mary as a model. The Apostles that you refer to are spoken of primarily in terms of the books they wrote in the Bible such John says this or Pauls tells us about something.

At least your community preached about Mary. That’s a start.

While I don’t pray to or through Mary, I will pray to be like her in ways such as humility and in trusting God. I also pray to have the faith of David and the courage of Daniel.

This thread is not about prayer to Mary but rather about preaching about Mary. I think we have enough thread about asking Mary to pray for us already.

 

[SyCarl]

This thread is not about prayer to Mary but rather about preaching about Mary. I think we have enough thread about asking Mary to pray for us already.

I was not trying to turn the thread into one about prayer to Mary. I was using it as an example of how Protestants are not afraid of Mary and that we can revere her as a model

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I think we have enough thread about asking Mary to pray for us already.

I agree:thumbsup:

Anyway, I have said this before, maybe the lack of teaching is a knee jerk reaction to wanting to seperate themselves from the CC. Just an opinion. I really dont know.
When my minister speaks of Mary he says what a wonderful witness to Christ she was(are those the right words ). Because we preach straight from the bible, it is difficult to have a sermon totally about Mary without branching off into other aspects surrounding her life. There really isnt a whole lot about Mary in the bible. So, to specifically to preach about her would be a short topic.

All of this is just me thinking off the top of my head.

 

[Mannyfit75]

I agree:thumbsup:

Anyway, I have said this before, maybe the lack of teaching is a knee jerk reaction to wanting to seperate themselves from the CC. Just an opinion. I really dont know.
When my minister speaks of Mary he says what a wonderful witness to Christ she was(are those the right words ). Because we preach straight from the bible, it is difficult to have a sermon totally about Mary without branching off into other aspects surrounding her life. There really isnt a whole lot about Mary in the bible. So, to specifically to preach about her would be a short topic.

All of this is just me thinking off the top of my head.

The first two chapters of Luke is about Mary, and the Wedding feast at Cana in the Gospel of John. I would start reflecting on those, on how Mary relates her relationship with God.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

The first two chapters of Luke is about Mary, and the Wedding feast at Cana in the Gospel of John. I would start reflecting on those, on how Mary relates her relationship with God.

AHH but the Wedding feast at Cana is not about Mary. She is mentioned but it is not about her.

Ill have to go and read Luke–although Im pretty sure this is where Luke is speaking of the birth of Christ right?

 

[DRIVING_BEAR]

She isn’t dead. Revelation 12:1 shows a woman clothed with the sun. She also gave birth to a male child who will rule all nations with an iron rod. This child, we believe to be Jesus, and since Mary gave birth to Jesus, this woman individualistically can be identified as Mary.

Mary isn’t dead my friend.

The Quote from Rev 12:1 refers to the nation of Israel not Mary
I think Mary was an outstanding woman , however I dont think she was Psudodevine like the catholics, nor do I believe in her perpetual virginity . After the birth of Christ Mary’s mission was accomplished

 

[Mannyfit75]

AHH but the Wedding feast at Cana is not about Mary. She is mentioned but it is not about her.

Short version of the Wedding at Cana.

Mary: They have no wine.

Jesus: O woman, what have you to do with me! My hour has not yet come."

Mary: Do whatever he tells you."

Jesus: Fill the jar with water. Now draw some out and take it to the steward of the feast.

Narrator: When the steward of the feast taste the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from.

Reflection: Mary is concern about the couple and the guest. They have no wine. She told her son, her concerns. Jesus seem to object but decided upon himself to perform a miracle. He turn water to wine.

Lesson Learn: Jesus just started his ministry and has not perform a miracle. As you know, Jesus before he started his ministry, lived with his mother, Mary for 30 yrs. We all know from Luke that Jesus became obedient to his parents.

What should we get out of this. Jesus acted out of obedience to his mother, and Mary was obedient to God for she said, “Do whatever he tells you.” We should be always be obedient to God.

I’ll have to go and read Luke–although Im pretty sure this is where Luke is speaking of the birth of Christ right?

Yes. The Gabriel’s Greeting, Elizabeth’s visition, the presentation at the temple, and the Finding Jesus at the temple.

 

[Mannyfit75]

The Quote from Rev 12:1 refers to the nation of Israel not Mary

Symbolically speaking yes it is Israel. She can also be the Church. However, if you try to* interpret individually *the characters in Rev 12:1-5. You have three major characters.

The Dragon. Whom we can both agree as Satan.
The Woman: Who gave birth to a male child.
The male child: who will rule all nations with an iron rod. We can identify as Jesus.

We can conclude therefore, the woman when interpreting the individuals in the passage literally, is Mary. If you want to take out Mary as not being the woman clothed with the sun, you might as well not interpret the male child as Jesus.

I do know for fact the child is Jesus because in the passage. The child was taken up into heaven and into his throne. This sounds very much like the ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and we do not believe that Jesus is sitteth at the Right Hand of God, His throne?

I think Mary was an outstanding woman , however I dont think she was Psudodevine like the catholics, nor do I believe in her perpetual virginity . After the birth of Christ Mary’s mission was accomplished

I would avoid using the word pseudodivine which I don’t think exist. The Catholic Church by the way does not profess Mary to be divine. The Church teaches, that Mary is a created being and the Mother of Jesus, Our Lord.

 

[Mannyfit75]

DRIVING BEAR:

After the birth of Christ Mary’s mission was accomplished

Really. I beg to differ on that. Mary was at the Miracle at Cana. If she her role was finished, she wouldn’t be there. Second, at the foot at the cross while the other Apostles except John, abandon Jesus, Mary, and the other woman disciple remain with him. Jesus said to his mother. “Woman, behold your son.” And to his disciple, “Behold your son.”

Not to mention in Acts 1:12-14. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, and together with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all his brethrens."

 

[Zenas]

I don’t want to hijack the thread, but perhaps a better poll would be to ask how many Protestants have studied the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in Sunday School or some similar group setting.

My answer: Never.

Anyone else?

 

[Mannyfit75]

I don’t want to hijack the thread, but perhaps a better poll would be to ask how many Protestants have studied the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in Sunday School or some similar group setting.

My answer: Never.

Anyone else?

You know that is* a very good question*.

 

[Techno2000]

Symbolically speaking yes it is Israel. She can also be the Church. However, if you try to* interpret individually *the characters in Rev 12:1-5. You have three major characters.

The Dragon. Whom we can both agree as Satan.
The Woman: Who gave birth to a male child.
The male child: who will rule all nations with an iron rod. We can identify as Jesus.

We can conclude therefore, the woman when interpreting the individuals in the passage literally, is Mary. If you want to take out Mary as not being the woman clothed with the sun, you might as well not interpret the male child as Jesus.

I do know for fact the child is Jesus because in the passage. The child was taken up into heaven and into his throne. This sounds very much like the ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and we do not believe that Jesus is sitteth at the Right Hand of God, His throne?

I would avoid using the word pseudodivine which I don’t think exist. The Catholic Church by the way does not profess Mary to be divine. The Church teaches, that Mary is a created being and the Mother of Jesus, Our Lord.

I think one can scratch "the Church ‘’ off the list because he came before the Church and he
give Birth to the Church.

 

[Techno2000]

Mary’s Song

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”