Where is Mary?

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http://stillanightowl.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/mary_baby_jesus.jpg

Where is Mary?

Let’s talk about Mary for a moment.

I know that every Protestant, non-Catholic Christian denomination is different in their own way. I know that their does exist in Protestantism, everything from the “High” Churches, or the older Churches, which are the more orthodox and the more traditional type of Protestant Church, to the man on the street and his Bible alone…

I also know that in Protestantism, that there are those denominations that are the, “more middle of the road” type of Churches.

Finally, there are the more liberal, or Evangelical and “Born Again” type of Protestant denominations and even those Christians who don’t go to Church at all, and relay on their Bible alone and their own personal interpretation.

I know that there are some Protestant, non-Catholic Christians here, who are highly educated, much smarter and more educated than I and some not so educated, and everything, in between and so on…

I know about all of these differences.

What I was wondering is, what are the differences in these non-Catholic Christian denominates, from top to bottom, when it comes to how they feel about Mary, where is Mary? Is she lacking in your particular denomination?

Is Mary a part of non-Catholic Christianity? Is she a big part or a small part, does she have an important role in Christianity from the Protestant prospective? Is she talked about very often in these Protestant Churches.

By the way, please, for this discussion, Christmas and the Nativity Story don’t count, because that’s the easy way out. I want to know what Protestants really think…. during the regular year, about Mary?

In other words, how much time is actually spent on Mary? How often is she discussed during the year and in what light? What is said about her in these various, non-Catholic Christian services?

Is Mary loved? Is she revered, in any of these various denominations?

Alternatively, is she avoided and/or simply overlooked? If she is overlooked and avoided, then why is that the case?

Where is Mary in your non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian denomination?

I really look forward to your responses.
 
Jimmy_B said:
http://stillanightowl.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/mary_baby_jesus.jpg

Where is Mary?

Let’s talk about Mary for a moment.

I know that every Protestant, non-Catholic Christian denomination is different in their own way. I know that their does exist in Protestantism, everything from the “High” Churches, or the older Churches, which are the more orthodox and the more traditional type of Protestant Church, to the man on the street and his Bible alone…

I also know that in Protestantism, that there are those denominations that are the, “more middle of the road” type of Churches.

Finally, there are the more liberal, or Evangelical and “Born Again” type of Protestant denominations and even those Christians who don’t go to Church at all, and relay on their Bible alone and their own personal interpretation.

I know that there are some Protestant, non-Catholic Christians here, who are highly educated, much smarter and more educated than I and some not so educated, and everything, in between and so on…

I know about all of these differences.

What I was wondering is, what are the differences in these non-Catholic Christian denominates, from top to bottom, when it comes to how they feel about Mary, where is Mary? Is she lacking in your particular denomination?

Is Mary a part of non-Catholic Christianity? Is she a big part or a small part, does she have an important role in Christianity from the Protestant prospective? Is she talked about very often in these Protestant Churches.

By the way, please, for this discussion, Christmas and the Nativity Story don’t count, because that’s the easy way out. I want to know what Protestants really think…. during the regular year, about Mary?

In other words, how much time is actually spent on Mary? How often is she discussed during the year and in what light? What is said about her in these various, non-Catholic Christian services?

Is Mary loved? Is she revered, in any of these various denominations?

Alternatively, is she avoided and/or simply overlooked? If she is overlooked and avoided, then why is that the case?

Where is Mary in your non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian denomination?

I really look forward to your responses.
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Jimmy,
This, from the LCMS website:
Q. I’ve heard that Martin Luther believed in Mary’s immaculate conception, in her perpetual virginity and in praying to her. Is this how Lutherans still view Mary today?
A. Like Luther himself, Lutherans hold Mary in high esteem for the chosen role she played in God’s plan of salvation. Lutherans have never objected to denoting Mary as the “Mother of God” (theotokos, “God-bearer”), since she was the mother of Jesus and Jesus was and is indeed God. Since the Son of God was and is sinless, it is evident that some miraculous “exception” was made in the conception of Jesus through Mary that prevented original sin from tainting the Christ-child. This accounts for Luther’s comments about Mary being “entirely without sin” (as far as the conception was concerned). Lutherans today are not bound to Luther’s personal views regarding how this was accomplished; in any event, it is clear from Luther’s other and later writings on Mary that he did not hold to the view that Mary was personally devoid of all sin (which would mean that she would have had no need of forgiveness or salvation). Luther also held to the semper virgo (the perpetual virginity) of Mary. This, again, is a personal view to which Lutherans today are not bound. Scripture is not clear on this matter, and Lutherans do not regard it as a theological issue.
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In his early years Luther was still greatly influenced by his rigorous Roman Catholic and monastic training. In his later writings he clearly rejects invocation to Mary and/or the saints as having no Scriptural mandate or promise. None of this undermines the opening sentence of this e-mail, which should be underscored as the final word on this issue.
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I think it is safe to say that we don’t see her role in the same way Catholics do. At least for Lutherans, that should not be viewed as disrespect. As the writer says, we hold her in high esteem.
Lutherans have the freedom to view Marian beliefs as they see fit. I, personally, believe in her perpetual virginity, her sinlessness due to Grace, the fact that she is in heaven and, along with the rest of the Church Triumphant, prays for us, the Church Militant (though not necessarily in response to invocation).
I also think there is a renewing interest in the Blessed Virgin in some Lutheran circles, and that I believe is a good thing.

Jon
 
Friends do not place emphasis on Mary the mother of Jesus. She is “creature”. Friends put their emphasis on “Christ the Light”…“The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

Each Friend is able to determine for themselves how much emphasis to place on Mary. Friends very much believe in emulating those “who have gone before us” in their faithfulness to God. For those Friends who have been “convinced” from other faith traditions, if Mary played an important role in that former faith tradition…they are more than welcome to continue holding that view.

Quaker worship is not “liturgical”…each Friend has the opportunity to offer “vocal ministry” as the Sprit moves…and if the Spirit moves a Friend to offer vocal ministry concerning Mary, it would be prayerfully regarded as any other vocal ministry.

Christmas is not emphasised either in the same way it is in other traditions…“Christmas happens every day as Christ is born anew in our hearts.”

It is Christ the Light that is the center of our worship concerns and thought…not the mother of Jesus except as one of those who embodies faith and trust in God as other heroes of faith would be.
 
Jon, you are saying there are Lutheran societies of the Virgin, etc.? Or just talking about the general mood?
 
I know you were looking for protestants to respond… But I had to jump in and say that I absolutely love the portrait of Mary in the OP! What a beautiful portrayal, thank you for posting:)
 
Jimmy_B said:
Is Mary loved? Is she revered, in any of these various denominations?

Alternatively, is she avoided and/or simply overlooked? If she is overlooked and avoided, then why is that the case?

Where is Mary in your non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian denomination?

I really look forward to your responses.
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Mary is to be found in a (rather limited) number of verses in our bibles…last week the pastor talked about Esther and how God placed her and then used her obedience to acheive his will. One could expect to hear a similar sermon wrt Mary. We are rather convinced that one should not go beyond what is written (plainly in scripture).
 
JonNC said:
I agree, and should’ve mentioned it earlier

Jon
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To each their own…I looked at it and immediately thought “Oh look, another
Westernized and sanitized version that couldn’t possibly resemble what they actually looked like”…Mary looks rather mature, so I guess that the baby (who is shown) must be one of her other children and not our Lord 😉
 
I’ve visited a ton of Protestant services which gives me some insight into this subject. She is rarely discussed among them, the pastors avoid her due to the stigma too often associated with her as being something Catholic, and it’s best in their minds to avoid the subject of even talking about her for fear it would not go over well with their congregation. Sadly, this tends to further reinforce believers understanding, that if their pastor does not discuss it, neither should they.
 
Radical said:
To each their own…I looked at it and immediately thought “Oh look, another
Westernized and sanitized version that couldn’t possibly resemble what they actually looked like”…Mary looks rather mature, so I guess that the baby (who is shown) must be one of her other children and not our Lord 😉
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Probably true of most western art about that time: westernized? sanitized? Ok. Still, beautiful art. Oriental art portraying our Savior often makes him look Oriental. But as you say; to each their own. 🤷

Jon
 
prodigalson12 said:
I’ve visited a ton of Protestant services which gives me some insight into this subject. She is rarely discussed among them, the pastors avoid her due to the stigma too often associated with her as being something Catholic, and it’s best in their minds to avoid the subject of even talking about her for fear it would not go over well with their congregation. Sadly, this tends to further reinforce believers understanding, that if their pastor does not discuss it, neither should they.
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Not saying you’re not correct, but, did the pastors actually tell you they couldn’t talk about her?
Jon
 
I never try to rock the boat as to what the Pastor’s agenda’s are behind the pulpit, well, unless I have to sit through one tossing insults directly to the Catholic church. I’ve been trying to form a devotional prayer group and have Mary as being the common theme within it. If I can form this, I will send invites to the protestant churches I attend and see what kind of a reaction I get, from them and from the pastors.
 
When my mom was alive, I’d got to church with her on Mother’s Day…she was Nazarene…the sermon usually focused on Mary the mother of Jesus and what a wonderful woman and inspiration she was to all mothers. The sermon would sometimes make the point that Mary had a great responsibility and how she served God with distinction in raising Jesus. Sometimes the sermon even mentioned how Mary was a pre-figurement of the church and how obedient she was to God…as all Christians should be.
 
I know your question was towards Protestants and I’m a Catholic… but when I was a Protestant and went to a non denom church, sadly Mary was never mentioned 😦 I find that it varies… in more traditional/liturgical denominations, they seem more comfortable with Mary… but not in the evangelical churches so much. (maybe I’m wrong, it might depend on the church, there’s a lot of variety in these denominations.)
 
Radical said:
Mary is to be found in a (rather limited) number of verses in our bibles…last week the pastor talked about Esther and how God placed her and then used her obedience to acheive his will. One could expect to hear a similar sermon wrt Mary. We are rather convinced that one should not go beyond what is written (plainly in scripture).
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Hello Radical,

I was waiting for a response like this, thank you.

Your quote here, where you say that,”Mary is to be found in a (rather limited) number of verses in our bibles" is a quote that I have heard and read many times before, or at least, something very similar. Is this a Protestant talking point? Where did you come up with this phrase?

At any rate, it isn’t true, when we compared Mary, the mother of Jesus, to other persons mentioned in the Bible, including Apostles, it turns out that she is actually one of the most often mentioned person is in the bible and this especially true when viewed, using typology and reviewing the verses, which reference, the un-named Mary

That Mary isn’t, often mentioned in the Bible is a Protestant myth.

Here a some verses where Mary, the mother of God is mentioned -

Genesis 3:15
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers….

Revelation 12
1 A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was with child… .
17 Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.

Isaiah 7:14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

**Luke 1:27-38 **(The Nativity Story)

**Matthew 1:18-25 **(the Nativity Story)

Matthew 2:14-15
"Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Continued on next post -
 
"Mary Verses", continued from last post -

Luke 1:39-56 (Mary visits Elizabeth)

Luke 2:5-7 (Mary mentioned -The birth of Jesus)

Luke 2:16-20 (Mary mentioned -The birth of Jesus, cont.)

John 2:1-12 (the wedding at Cana)

Luke 2:39-52
“When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.”

**Mark 6:3-5 (“**Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary”)

**Matthew 13:55-58 (“**Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary”)

**Matthew 1:16,17 (“**Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.”)

**Matthew 2:11,12 (**and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.)

John 19:25-27http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/john/john19.htm
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Acts 1:12-14 (Pentecost- “All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

Your thoughts now?
 
Great post. this is why I come here. to understand my faith and what is going on with everyone else. Thanks to all for some very interesting comments. AMEN
 
Jimmy_B said:
http://stillanightowl.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/mary_baby_jesus.jpg

Where is Mary?

Let’s talk about Mary for a moment.

I know that every Protestant, non-Catholic Christian denomination is different in their own way. I know that their does exist in Protestantism, everything from the “High” Churches, or the older Churches, which are the more orthodox and the more traditional type of Protestant Church, to the man on the street and his Bible alone…

I also know that in Protestantism, that there are those denominations that are the, “more middle of the road” type of Churches.

Finally, there are the more liberal, or Evangelical and “Born Again” type of Protestant denominations and even those Christians who don’t go to Church at all, and relay on their Bible alone and their own personal interpretation.

I know that there are some Protestant, non-Catholic Christians here, who are highly educated, much smarter and more educated than I and some not so educated, and everything, in between and so on…

I know about all of these differences.

What I was wondering is, what are the differences in these non-Catholic Christian denominates, from top to bottom, when it comes to how they feel about Mary, where is Mary? Is she lacking in your particular denomination?

Is Mary a part of non-Catholic Christianity? Is she a big part or a small part, does she have an important role in Christianity from the Protestant prospective? Is she talked about very often in these Protestant Churches.

By the way, please, for this discussion, Christmas and the Nativity Story don’t count, because that’s the easy way out. I want to know what Protestants really think…. during the regular year, about Mary?

In other words, how much time is actually spent on Mary? How often is she discussed during the year and in what light? What is said about her in these various, non-Catholic Christian services?

Is Mary loved? Is she revered, in any of these various denominations?

Alternatively, is she avoided and/or simply overlooked? If she is overlooked and avoided, then why is that the case?

Where is Mary in your non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian denomination?

I really look forward to your responses.
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I think about Mary often. It’s much easier for me to think about Mary and her daily ordinary life than many other topics in christianity. I think for me, it is how easy to see her simple life being extrodinary, and yet so filled with suffering. I just like imagining what her days were like.
 
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