There is also one mediator between God and the human race

[Jimmy_B]

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***“There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus,” ***

(1 Timothy 2:5)*****

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There is a misconception by many non-Catholic Christians the we as Roman Catholics have other Mediators (capital “M”) other than Jesus, we don’t. We believe what is written in 1 Timothy 2:1-6. That is; Jesus Christ is the only Mediator or Judge! Anyone who believes otherwise is in conflict with the Gospels.

I think the confusion starts with the misconception that “intercession” and “mediation” is the same thing (as cited in the bible) and they are not. Below are the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary (on-line) definitions of these two words, which are clearly different and have very different meanings;

**

intercession

Main Entry: in·ter·ces·sion Pronunciation: \ˌin-tər-ˈse-shən\
Function: noun
1: the act of interceding 2: prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
**
“prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another”******

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**

mediation

Main Entry: 2me·di·ate Pronunciation: \ˈmē-dē-ˌāt\ Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): me·di·at·ed; me·di·at·ing
1 a**:** to bring accord out of by action as an intermediary b: to effect by action as an intermediary

**“to effect by action”

Simply put, if we were to view these two words or their action’ in the context of our legal system, Jesus (God) the Mediator would be the Judge, who would take “action” or make the final decision, have authority over “Final Judgment”. On the other hand, the “intercessor” would be your defense attorney or the one who would intercede on your behalf; or the one between (in the middle of) you and the Judge, to plead your case.

Continued on next post -

 

[Jimmy_B]

Continued on next post -

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Continued from last post-

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Note: 1 Timothy 2:5 NAB states; “There is also one mediator between God and the human race” (“also” is omitted from 1 Timothy 2:5 RSV).

Note: The word “also” in the NAB. This word “also” puts 1Timothy 2:5 in context and points us back to the preceding verses (1Timothy 2:1-4).

1** Timothy 1:4 states**;

“1

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, 2 for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.3 This is good and pleasing to God our savior.”* *
If you read this instruction given to us by Jesus, in full context, He actually instructs us to intercede for one another, saying that it is, “pleasing to God”

Then Jesus goes on to explain the difference between “mediator” (small “m”) and intercessor and the Mediator (capital “M”), Jesus. Jesus is the only judge and “Mediator”.

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Here is the entire verse in context;

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1

*** First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, 2 for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.3 This is good and pleasing to God our savior,4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human,6 who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. 7 (1Timothy2 1-6 (NAB).

Finally, we can and are instructed to pray for one other and ask others to pray for us, or intercede for us. That is to say; from us; to our intercessor; to Jesus, the Mediator; to God.

Catholics also know that they can and they do pray directly to God.

Do not be misled by those either who don’t know Scripture, cite it out of context or who are deliberately misleading people to “protest” the Roman Catholic Church. To take this verse (1 Timothy 2:5) out of context, to try to disprove Catholic doctrine equals deception.

We believe in One God and one Mediator, Jesus Christ “just like you do”.

Any Questions?

 

[Jimmy_B]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the “one mediator between God and men”.(452) But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, “the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery” is offered to all men.(453) He calls his disciples to “take up (their) cross and follow (him)”,(454) for “Christ also suffered for (us), leaving (us) an example so that (we) should follow in his steps.”(455) In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries.(456) This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering.(457) Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.(458) (1997 Catechism of the Catholic Church 618)

 

[Jimmy_B]

What Catholics believe

The “Intercessor” - Jesus

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church****

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**

**2634 **

Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did. He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men, especially sinners. He is “able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” The Holy Spirit “himself intercedes for us . . . and intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”**

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**The Faithful as "intercessor’**s"

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**

2647

Prayer of intercession consists in asking on behalf of another. It knows no boundaries and extends to one’s enemies.

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**
Here is an Old Testament version of “intercession”

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**Job 42:8 (NAB)

7

And it came to pass after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and with your two friends; for you have not spoken rightly concerning me, as has my servant Job. 8 Now, therefore, take seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up a holocaust for yourselves; and let my servant Job pray for you; for his prayer I will accept, not to punish you severely. For you have not spoken rightly concerning me, as has my servant Job.” (Job (NAB) 42)****

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**

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Continued on next post -

Continued from last post-

Note: 1 Timothy 2:5 NAB states; “There is also one mediator between God and the human race” (“also” is omitted from 1 Timothy 2:5 RSV).

Note: The word “also” in the NAB. This word “also” puts 1Timothy 2:5 in context and points us back to the preceding verses (1Timothy 2:1-4).

1** Timothy 1:4 states**;
If you read this instruction given to us by Jesus, in full context, He actually instructs us to intercede for one another, saying that it is, “pleasing to God”

Then Jesus goes on to explain the difference between “mediator” (small “m”) and intercessor and the Mediator (capital “M”), Jesus. Jesus is the only judge and “Mediator”.

Here is the entire verse in context;

Finally, we can and are instructed to pray for one other and ask others to pray for us, or intercede for us. That is to say; from us; to our intercessor; to Jesus, the Mediator; to God.

Catholics also know that they can and they do pray directly to God.

Do not be misled by those either who don’t know Scripture, cite it out of context or who are deliberately misleading people to “protest” the Roman Catholic Church. To take this verse (1 Timothy 2:5) out of context, to try to disprove Catholic doctrine equals deception.

We believe in One God and one Mediator, Jesus Christ “just like you do”.

Any Questions?

Yes.​

Wouldn’t all of this - true as it is - be more convincing to Protestants if it were emphasised more ?

There is never any doubt in Protestant Evangelical circles that Christ holds the primacy in all things - but the BVM is so greatly emphasised by Catholics that it’s hardly surprising we’re accused of all sorts of doctrinal errors. It just is not as clear that the BVM is a creature - especially when the BVM is given titles that the NT reserves for Christ alone.

So ISTM that if there is a problem, it is very largely (not entirely) of Catholic origin.

If we add a “Mediatrix of [all ?] graces” , then we certainly don’t have the same Christ-centred doctrine of mediation as Evangelical Protestants. The reality behind the word “Mediator” is not the same.

As for the Holy Spirit, no Protestant I know of would for one nanosecond accept that Mary is a “quasi-incarnation of the Holy Spirit”. Yet the man who said that, has been canonised. It’s a revolting assertion.

 

[ryanoneil]

Here is some extra support scripturecatholic.com/saints.html

Peace,

Ryan

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

You would think simply reading the text in context would clear up the misconceptions,

Hebrews 12:22-24

22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Hebrews 9:11-28

11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here,[a] he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,** so that we may serve the living God!
15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

16In the case of a will,[c] it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”[d] 21In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

23It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 8

1The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
3Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[a] 6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

1 Timothy 2

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.**

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

You would think simply reading the text in context would clear up the misconceptions,

Galatians 3:15-22 (New International Version)

15Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[a] meaning one person, who is Christ. 17What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. 20A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.

21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

 

[mark_a]

Yes.​

Wouldn’t all of this - true as it is - be more convincing to Protestants if it were emphasised more ?

There is never any doubt in Protestant Evangelical circles that Christ holds the primacy in all things - but the BVM is so greatly emphasised by Catholics that it’s hardly surprising we’re accused of all sorts of doctrinal errors. It just is not as clear that the BVM is a creature - especially when the BVM is given titles that the NT reserves for Christ alone.

So ISTM that if there is a problem, it is very largely (not entirely) of Catholic origin.

If we add a “Mediatrix of [all ?] graces” , then we certainly don’t have the same Christ-centred doctrine of mediation as Evangelical Protestants. The reality behind the word “Mediator” is not the same.

These are good points, but these things are usually said by Catholics in a Catholic context to Catholics. It sends up the same red flags for them that I might see if I walked into a group of people speaking in tongues or quaking.

 

[Jimmy_B]

These are good points, but these things are usually said by Catholics in a Catholic context to Catholics. It sends up the same red flags for them that I might see if I walked into a group of people speaking in tongues or quaking.

Hello mark a,

Thank you for your post, you have a good point. That is why I usually, use many bible verses to illustrate a point, or to comment on Roman Catholic Doctrine.

My experience at CAF, is that most non-Catholic Christians, especially with the “Born-Again” crowd, is that they want to see “where it says that in the Bible”, that is of course, if one can do this without putting them into “sensory-overload”, by showing them more than three of four verses at a time.

They (many non-Catholic Christians and many Catholics) don’t have the interest, time or energy to be bothered by the real effort it takes to understand the Bible or ones faith.

People for the most part are lazy and this includes laziness with their faith. Many Christians today have the “religious attention span” of a four year old. That’s what makes these “new” religions so appealing, is that people can have God on their terms, instead if His terms (whole-nother discussion).

Many Christian religions today, are nice, neat, and easy. The problem with that is, if one reads the Bible in the literal sense, one verse at a time, as many do, they come away with many false conclusions, including the conclusion that there exists conflict in the Bible.

This approach to ones faith has a tendency to cause many bad personal interpretations.

At this point, the person becomes a “religion of one”. If, in addition to preaching false ‘Christian” doctrine the person says, something to the effect “I was moved by the Holy Spirit” and their interpretations are incorrect, that person is, by definition, a “False Prophet”

In the ‘Old Days’ they would call this behavior, “Heresy”

We as Catholics know that there is no conflict in the Bible. We know this because we learn Scripture in the context of other books and verses and we learn Bible verses in the context of human and Christian history. We (RCC) are not a church of “sound-bites”

History and context is important because it creates perspective. What people believe today is based on what people believed in, yesterday. There is some truth to the expression “There exists nothing new under the sun”.

A person for instance, doesn’t just wake-up one day and say, “I don’t believe in the Perpetual Virginity of Mary”. Although these may be his words today, they belonged to someone else, yesterday, and this action or prospective is caused by “context”. “Context” can be good or bad; it all depends on whether or not it takes you to right or correct conclusion. The better the context, the better the conclusion.

 

[allischalmers]

Mediator
mes-ee’-tace

from the root word mes’o

a go between, that is, (simply) an internunciator or (by implication)

a reconcilor (intercessor) mediator

 

[Jubilatae]

*Hi Jimmy,

The “M” stands for MARY, our mother, who mediates for the whole world.

Bless,

Jubilatae*

 

[Jimmy_B]

Mediator
mes-ee’-tace

from the root word mes’o

a go between, that is, (simply) an internunciator or (by implication)

a reconcilor (intercessor) mediator

**Hello **allischalmers

What was the purpose of your post? I am not clear what you were trying to communicate here?

Are you trying, as a non-Catholic (Baptist) to say what we as Catholic’s believe?

Is the english, dictionary definitions that you have posted, an attempt to try to infer that Roman Catholics consider the two words to have the exact same meaning? They do not have the same meaning in the Bible verse provided. Here it is again:

1 First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, 2 for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.3 This is good and pleasing to God our savior,4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human,6 who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. 7 (1Timothy2 1-6 (NAB).

There is mediation and intercession

(Us praying for one another and asking others to pray for us)

AND

THE ONE MEDIATOR- CHRIST JESUS

So there will be no doubts, Catholics know the difference between intercessory prayer and the one Mediator, Christ.

If anybody trys and tells you otherwise, they would be mistaken and in error.

If you read the bible verse (earlier post) that I supplied, you will see that the difference is clear. We are actually instructed by Christ to intercede for one another and that Christ is the one Mediator!

THAT IS WHAT WE BELIEVE?

If you are trying to assert that Romans Catholics believe that there exist more than One Mediator, Jesus Christ, your are mistaken or mis-informed!

I don’t know if this was what you intended in your post , so maybe you clarified what it means?

I think that we both know, that there are people out there so preoccupied with undermining the Roman Catholic Church, that they will say or write just about anything, for instance: “Catholics’ worship Mary”, We Don’t

A lot of information was provided here, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it states: “The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God and men”.

Thank you for your post, keep posting.

 

[allischalmers]

Just wanted to give the correct defination of the word mediator used in the Bible

 

[Jubilatae]

]**Hi,

Here we are on the Feast of the THEOTOKOS, and this was defined at the coucil of Ephesus, the Motherhood of God because of the heresy stating that she could be the mother of Jesus only as man, & not as God; thereby stating that Jesus was split down the middle, in laymans terms.

She could not be defined as Mother of the Godhead that is certain, she is the mother of the 2nd person of the Blessed Trinity, as God and as man.

HAIL MARY MOTHER OF GOD.

It is manifestly obvious that Mary mediated at the marriage feast at Cana on behalf of the embarassed matrimonial couple, & equally manifestly obviously, that her divine son Jesus, brought forward his public ministry.

MARY stood at the foot of the Cross & it is relevant to notice, in advance of St Paul’s statement (concrucifixus cum CHRISTO)
That is to say, the Christian is crucified with Christ. Obviously, once again, fulfilling the prophesy of Simeon; (A sword shall pierce your soul too), demonstrating the co operation with the redemptive Passion of Christ.

With all certitude she is the prime mediator & co operator, with the Divine Redemption of Her Son, on behalf of the entire human race. She is truly the new Eve.

She is the living tabernacle who brought forth our redemption.
By Her consent before the archangel, and by the Redemptive sequence of the birth of Our Lord at Bethlehem.

Bless you,
Jubilatae**

 

[Jimmy_B]

Just wanted to give the correct defination of the word mediator used in the Bible

MEDIATOR

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Hello allischalmers, thank you for your post,

The definition that you provided, is not the "correct definition" as used in the Bible.

The definition that you provided here, for the word “mediator” may be what you personally believe based on your own personal interpretation of the Bible or as defined in the context of your religious beliefs but it is not the correct definition as it is used in the Bible.

I am curious where you found the definition that you provided here. Did it come from the Webster’s Dictionary, the dictionary at the back of a Protestant Bible or is this your own personal interpretation? Where did you find your “definition”?

Your “definition” is in error and not consistent with the Bible’s definition nor is it consistent with the “Roman Catholic” definition.

Here is the definition of the word “MEDIATOR” as used in the bible, found in the dictionary portion of the Catholic, New American Bible (NAB), first published in 1970.

**

**MEDIATOR. **

** In its primary sense, the word signifies an intermediary, a third person who intervenes between other parties to bring them together or reconcile them. Moses was thus a mediator between God and the people (Nm 14, 13-20). Applied to Jesus, the term takes on an even more profane meaning, for Jesus is at the same time God and man: he belongs, at once, to the two parties. Through Christ we have access to the Father, and through Christ the Father gives himself to mankind (Heb 9, 11-25: 12, 24).

Hebrews 9:15; (Jesus as Mediator)

**

Hebrews 9:15

**
15 For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. (Hebrews (NAB) 9)

Man as “mediator”

**
Numbers 14: 20

20 The LORD answered: "I pardon them as you (Moses) have asked. (Numbers (NAB) 14)
**
Here is another example of mediator, lower case “m”
.
**
Job 42:8

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8 Now, therefore, take seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up a holocaust for yourselves; and let my servant Job pray for you; for his prayer I will accept, not to punish you severely. For you have not spoken rightly concerning me, as has my servant Job." (Job (NAB) 42)
**

 

[Jimmy_B]

Just wanted to give the correct defination of the word mediator used in the Bible

Hello allischalmers,

The definition that you provided, which I am assuming is Protestant, secular and/or non-Biblical, implies that MEDIATOR and INTERCESSOR are one and the same as used in the Bible and by Roman Catholics; it is not.

Therefore, the non-Catholic, Protestant assumption would be; that we as Catholics believe that there exist more than One Mediator, Jesus Christ and we do not.

This common misconception or incorrect non-Catholic definition is often used and wrongly applied to Catholic beliefs to try to argue against Catholicism.

This tool has been used for many years by Protestants to try to pull people away from their Roman Catholic faith and this is wrong because it is based on a lie.

We as Catholic’s and the Roman Catholic Church know the differences “in a meaning” and how the same word written in the Bible, can have many different meanings.

Here in lies the problem with bad personal interpretation of the Bible and an obsession with “protesting” against the Catholic faith (not you personally, Protestants in general).

This is a good example of why an understanding of context, history, tradition and the understanding of the formation of the Bible, language and translations or transliterations of the Bible are so important.

 

[rbarcia]

**Hello **allischalmers

What was the purpose of your post? I am not clear what you were trying to communicate here?

Are you trying, as a non-Catholic (Baptist) to say what we as Catholic’s believe?

Is the english, dictionary definitions that you have posted, an attempt to try to infer that Roman Catholics consider the two words to have the exact same meaning? They do not have the same meaning in the Bible verse provided. Here it is again:

There is mediation and intercession

(Us praying for one another and asking others to pray for us)

AND

THE ONE MEDIATOR- CHRIST JESUS

So there will be no doubts, Catholics know the difference between intercessory prayer and the one Mediator, Christ.

If anybody trys and tells you otherwise, they would be mistaken and in error.

If you read the bible verse (earlier post) that I supplied, you will see that the difference is clear. We are actually instructed by Christ to intercede for one another and that Christ is the one Mediator!

THAT IS WHAT WE BELIEVE?

If you are trying to assert that Romans Catholics believe that there exist more than One Mediator, Jesus Christ, your are mistaken or mis-informed!

I don’t know if this was what you intended in your post , so maybe you clarified what it means?

I think that we both know, that there are people out there so preoccupied with undermining the Roman Catholic Church, that they will say or write just about anything, for instance: “Catholics’ worship Mary”, We Don’t

A lot of information was provided here, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it states: “The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God and men”.

Thank you for your post, keep posting.

The Cat also says Mary is a co-Mediatrix

969 “This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”

The word unique (used in the cat) and (one) used in the Bible is not the same. So besides her additional intercession role, she is given a Mediatrix role.

So now that I can see with my eyes the Cat statement above calls Mary the female Mediator (capital M), the scripture in Timothy is an issue again.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Don’t get hung up on the use of capital “M”'s.

I have used both an upper-case and lower-case “m” for MEDIATOR in my exegesis here, because I am writing in the English language and in English it is easier to discern titles this way.

When I have used a lower-case “m” it was meant to describe those who would intercede for us, including Mary. When I have used a upper-case “M” it was meant to describe The One Mediator, Jesus.

Mary is not Jesus and she is not God, we (Catholics) know that. We, at least most Catholics who know their own faith, know that the 1st Commandment states, “One God”.

The problem is that many Catholics cannot explain many different aspects of their own Catholic faith.

That’s what so great about Catholic Answers, we can all learn something here…

It would be wrong and pretty unorthodox to assume that Catholic’s worshiped more than One God, we don’t!

For someone to, in error assume such a thing, would be to say that; Catholicism is a *polytheism *(the worship of multiple gods) as apposed to a monotheism (the worship of one God). Read the Nicene Creed, that is what we Catholics believe.

When ever I hear such an argument, it just sounds crazy to me, I don’t get it.

You would think, that in 2008 most adults would know that Catholicism is a monotheism (A One God Religion), as opposed to a polytheism (a multiple god religion).

The problem today is that most people don’t bother to try and connect the dots, they like sound-bites and they don’t want to take the next logical step, too much work.

Why don’t more people say, “what are you basing that on?’; or “where did you hear that?”; or “And then what?”.

If they did so, when it came to their faith, more people would be Roman Catholic.

Learning your faith is a lifelong journey. The problem with the “Once Save Always Saved” crowd is that, it is assumed by its nature to be an end to religious knowledge, instead of a beginning. There exists no reason to learn more about your faith if one presumes to have a “Guaranteed Salvation”.

How many times have you heard, for instance, a “Born-Again” say to an un-learned Catholic, “Hey, why do you guy’s worship Mary?” A logical response could be, “*We don’t , didn’t you know that Catholicism, you know the religion that gave you the Bible , is a monotheism, we believe in one God, just like you do. The God of Moses and Abraham.” *

You will never hear this type of response because many Catholic don’t know how to respond and we don’t generally speak this way.

**Continued- **

 

[Jimmy_B]

That is why, as a Catholic who understands his faith, when I read these comments from non-Catholics, I just shake my head.

When a “Born-Again” or some other similar Fundamentalist, Protestant Christian says things such as the comment’s on this thread or that we Catholics “worship” Mary, they sound “crazy” to me and I think to myself; That person doesn’t have a clue as to what they are talking about.

It is crazy to think, or believe; or tell someone else; that in essence, Catholic’s worship more than one God. And this can occur when someone does not know what is meant by “Mediatrix”.

The One Mediator is Christ Jesus., (capital “M”).

If you notice, in the Bible all references to mediator, the one mediator or intercessor, all start with a lower case “m”. This is because the Bible was not originally written in English.

The Bible is a translation and in many cases a transliteration of that which was first written in either Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic.

The correct definition of words can often be understood in the context in which they were written.

To understand the terms INTERCESSOR, MEDIATOR or *MEDIATRIX *one must first determine the situation, person and context.

As I have already enumerated many times here, The Roman Catholic Church/Religion believes just as our protestant brothers and sisters do, that I Timothy, when discussing MEDIATOR in reference to Christ, that He, Christ, is THE ONE AND ONLY MEDIATOR between us and God the Father…

As far as Mary as the Mediatrix goes, the best way I can explain this, is that, we believe in the First Commandment, in that there exist three person and One God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

**We also believe, as all Christians should, that the way to the Father is through the Son, Jesus. Salvation is found through Jesus Christ and He alone.

Mary, the Mother of God leads us to Jesus and Jesus leads to the Father, God.

In other word’s, if I were agnostic or an atheist and you (a Christian/Catholic) brought me to know Christ; to pray for me; or helped me to become baptized as a Christian (Catholic), you would, in fact be interceding for me and would be taking a part in my path to Salvation (with the Holy spirit at work here, of course).

Do you understand? You lead me to Christ, Christ to God.

With Mary, we believe that one cannot think of the Virgin Mary without thinking about her Son Jesus.

I can however think about Sam down the street at the liquor store without thinking about the Virgin Mary…

Can you see the connection?

A Christian or your parents - To church - Church to the Virgin Mary - Mary to Jesus - Jesus to the Father, God.

There exist many possible paths to Christ.

This path does not mean that everyone involved in this process is “a god”. There is One God and He alone is to be worshiped and glorified.

However, as described in 1 Timothy, there can be many mediators (small “m”) or intercessors who can help us along the way and lead us to God.
**