Why are many protestants opposed to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary?

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just_came_back said:
Which just proves evangelicals are dumber than a door knob when it comes to the Trinity. Oh they will SAY the believe the F,S, AND HS are one yet bring up “MOG” and I’ve heard “Jesus is not god, he is son of god”…boggles the brain!
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Wow. You are just so kind and loving.

There are things I do not agree with Catholics on but I would never ever call anyone dumb for what they believe in.
 
GaryTaylor said:
Many issues promoted daily Holly. I happened to watch Jimmy Swaggart for a few moments last night and the conversation of the Incarnation came up by a caller. Who explained correctly Jesus could not be conceived in Sin through the hypostatic union.

However they will take the call, cut of the caller, then promote their own theory which Mary was a sinner no different than any other women. Then introduce what is in fact heretical theology into the equation.

The response was most disturbing, complete heresy and definately not Biblical. They used the term Mary was a vessel in a state of sin, which God passed through without contracting the Sin because He is God and could do that, then the analogy used was if God rode a Donkey He wouldn’t contract the Donkeys filth. 🤷

Nevertheless, when this type of heretical thinking occurs on world wide broadcasting it no doubt becomes an issue.
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The bolded phrase is the one that really gets to the core of the matter. They rightly say that God could do that…but we can just as rightly say that God could do it another way - through Mary’s immaculate conception. 🤷

The issue cannot be about what God “could do” since “God can do anything”…The issue really becomes one of determining what he DID do and this gets into other areas revolving around authority.

Peace
James
 
JRKH said:
The bolded phrase is the one that really gets to the core of the matter. They rightly say that God could do that…but we can just as rightly say that God could do it another way - through Mary’s immaculate conception. 🤷

The issue cannot be about what God “could do” since “God can do anything”…The issue really becomes one of determining what he DID do and this gets into other areas revolving around authority.

Peace
James
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Exactly, whats of most importance IMHO is the Protestant brother/sister above who spoke of reaching in understanding the Incarnation. Here we have accomplished much as Christians, to see Christ from the Incarnation, then to place ourselves at the foot of the Cross as Mary did. Here at this foot of the Cross is where we want to reside. Thus the Blood of our Lord.

But right, we also see two ends of the spectrum above.

In all honesty I think its a Blessing to comtemplate the deeper Catholic theology with the Saint’s such as St Louis de Montfort etc. Yet also IMHO its of most importance we reach understanding in the Incarnation. And we see this with mainline protestant to a large degree, which in itself is great. No need to overwhelm, well you know, as I mentioned above

I don’t know that one can but through Grace proceed to deeper teaching less one first accepts the Incarnation and the teachings of St. Athanasius the Great, then the mystery begins to open doors in your mind. Which I believe is the Grace of the Blessed Mother through the Holy Spirit thus the Lords Grace and the true understanding of Jesus Christ. All this is in Love of Her Son and in the desire to lose not one soul, to intercede. This is why the Sisters and many others throughout the world of Catholicism pray daily for the Converstion of sinners worldwide. This is also a tie in the Apostolic Church’s that dates back to Mary and of Ecumenical agreement with Jesus Christ human/Divine nature’s.

Course none of which should take away from Christ and the Cross. Nor should it be misunderstood that Jimmy Swaggart in this sense is wrong with Christ on the Cross being the focus, he just promotes and believes this should be the only focus. So in that sense he is right.

Nevertheless your right, there is all levels to coming to the Lord, and we would do well to reach basic Orthodox teaching and truth.

Peace
 
I only read parts of this long forum, so I apologize if this was said already. But I think at least one reason (though surely not the only one) why Protestants may not like honoring Mary is because they fear of being looked at by other Protestants as being “too Catholic.” There may be a certain social stigma if a Proestant talks about Mary a little “too much” to the point that they are seen as being “too Catholic” (which is usually seen as a bad thing).

Again, certainly not the only reason, and certainly not a universal reason, but a possible reason nonetheless.
 
jhayes1 said:
I only read parts of this long forum, so I apologize if this was said already. But I think at least one reason (though surely not the only one) why Protestants may not like honoring Mary is because they fear of being looked at by other Protestants as being “too Catholic.” There may be a certain social stigma if a Proestant talks about Mary a little “too much” to the point that they are seen as being “too Catholic” (which is usually seen as a bad thing).

Again, certainly not the only reason, and certainly not a universal reason, but a possible reason nonetheless.
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👍

Yes this is certainly a factor that can inhibit open dialogue.

I’d be interested in hearing from some of the Non-Catholic folks who have been involved in the discussion here.
Do you find this to be true talking among yourselves - between denominations - that one must be careful not to sound “Too Catholic”?

Now that I think of it, I wonder if this would be a good thread all on it’s own…

Peace
James

EDIT - I actually DID ask the question HERE if any one wishes to contribute.

James
 
JRKH said:
I’d be interested in hearing from some of the Non-Catholic folks who have been involved in the discussion here.
Do you find this to be true talking among yourselves - between denominations - that one must be careful not to sound “Too Catholic”?

Now that I think of it, I wonder if this would be a good thread all on it’s own…
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Good Point, I’d also be interested in hearing.👍
 
jhayes1 said:
I only read parts of this long forum, so I apologize if this was said already. But I think at least one reason (though surely not the only one) why Protestants may not like honoring Mary is because they fear of being looked at by other Protestants as being “too Catholic.” There may be a certain social stigma if a Proestant talks about Mary a little “too much” to the point that they are seen as being “too Catholic” (which is usually seen as a bad thing).

Again, certainly not the only reason, and certainly not a universal reason, but a possible reason nonetheless.
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I agree with this and can relate to the “too Catholic” issues.

As far as the honoring of Mary is concerned, I am not opposed to honoring her, but I think the OP’s question might be better understood as “why don’t Protestants honor Mary the way Catholics do?” I can’t speak for all non-Catholics, but from my Lutheran perspective we honor Mary as we consider the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Crucifixion. I, for one, see her as the epitome of faithfulness and obedience to God. While I have no objection to the doctrines (dogmas?) concerning her immaculate conception and her perpetual virginity, neither of these is foundational to my honoring her as theotokos. Should it happen (and, mind you, I don’t expect it to) that proof would be found that Mary and Joseph had other children, it would not change my opinion of her in the least. She is the Mother of God.
 
gcnuss said:
I agree with this and can relate to the “too Catholic” issues.

As far as the honoring of Mary is concerned, we honor Mary as we consider the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Crucifixion. I, for one, see her as the epitome of faithfulness and obedience to God. While I have no objection to the doctrines (dogmas?) concerning her immaculate conception and her perpetual virginity, neither of these is foundational to my honoring her as theotokos. Should it happen (and, mind you, I don’t expect it to) that proof would be found that Mary and Joseph had other children, it would not change my opinion of her in the least. She is the Mother of God.
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I agree, I believe this a great place to be in understanding. 👍
 
I don’t believe most Protestets do…except in “Catholic” minds…Mary is honored for her place as mother of Jesus and for most of us…IMO…her adomonishment…“Do whatever he tell you to do.”…is the highest honor we could give her…take her at her word and “do what he says”.
 
Thanks, Rev Nuss…

I think Mary’s greatest work was her ‘Yes’ to the will of God.

She lived the will of God perfectly and that is the means we enter heaven. As we believe i the communion of saints, she is the perfect companion and friend to help in our walk in salvation.
 
Thanks for all the posts. You’re really helpful. In the end I can only say: Jesus for me is sufficient, I love HIM and I can have a wonderful relationship with God also without Mary or Saints devotion. I understand very well the Catholic teachings about Mary (also dogmas) and the Saints and I can accept them, but I find much easier go to God through Jesus.
I can say the rosary (there’s before the Mass, in the church that I attend, and also when I attend monthly meeting with ‘my’ charismatics brethern), make a novena to a saint, but when I say the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy or Chaplet of the Precious Blood, I’m really in peace.
Maybe my pentecostal\reformed years helped me to built a strong relationship with Jesus and now, also if I’m back to the Church, I don’t want
eed other.
 
Mary…

You are in Christ’s mercy…the best place to be and I am so happy you are back home.
 
MaryLouItalia said:
Thanks for all the posts. You’re really helpful. In the end I can only say: Jesus for me is sufficient, I love HIM and I can have a wonderful relationship with God also without Mary or Saints devotion. I understand very well the Catholic teachings about Mary (also dogmas) and the Saints and I can accept them, but I find much easier go to God through Jesus.
I can say the rosary (there’s before the Mass, in the church that I attend, and also when I attend monthly meeting with ‘my’ charismatics brethern), make a novena to a saint, but when I say the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy or Chaplet of the Precious Blood, I’m really in peace.
Maybe my pentecostal\reformed years helped me to built a strong relationship with Jesus and now, also if I’m back to the Church, I don’t want
eed other.
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👍

While I hope that your appreciation for our Blessed Mother grows, I can understand your point of view right now. It seems to me that this is a position, or outlook, that many coming into the Church from protestant communions would share.

Further, I can just see our Blessed Mother stroking the hair of her children and saying, in a sweet soft voice, “Yes my child, go to your Father and to your Brother and King.”

Peace
James
 
As a protestant who is on a journey, I fear detracting from God by honoring Mary considering she didn’t die for our sins. I’m really surprised nobody has mentioned God saying honor your father and mother. Jesus would have honored his mother. By some wired logic, I think I can feel comfortable honoring someone Jesus honored; however, something still strikes me as odd when i walk into a mass and see statues, icons, and pictures of Mary. I understand seeing things pertaining to Jesus and his sacrifice. Also, should i honor Jesus’s mother like I honor my Mother, I’m not sure how comfortable i would be praying to my mother for guidance should she pass.

Also as a protestant, what are some guidelines for Honoring Mary. This is a very abstract thought for me and so are many dogmas. I get a weird feeling when i see 1/2 bathtub shrines(I hope that is not offensive, its just what it looks like) outside peoples houses but see nothing concerning Christ directly, like people would rather display Mary before Christ. I guess from my perspective, I think many protestants would question “Where does your priority lay?” After reading every single post on this thread, it is clear that Catholic’s priority is with Christ; however, from the outside, it does not appear to be the case.
 
TW,
Welcome to the Boards…I like your post below very much and I am glad to hear that this thread has been useful to you.
thetailwind said:
As a protestant who is on a journey, I fear detracting from God by honoring Mary considering she didn’t die for our sins.
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A valid point if “honor” was binary (either completely yes or completely no) AND if Honor was synonymous with “Worship”. But since honor is different than worship and since we can honor someone on different levels and for different reasons, there really should not be a problem “honoring” Mary for the reasons many have outlined here while still, “worshiping” God alone.
I’m really surprised nobody has mentioned God saying honor your father and mother. Jesus would have honored his mother. By some wired logic, I think I can feel comfortable honoring someone Jesus honored;
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Very good point and I have seen this mentioned before though you are right that nobody mentioned it on this thread until you did.
however, something still strikes me as odd when I walk into a mass and see statues, icons, and pictures of Mary. I understand seeing things pertaining to Jesus and his sacrifice.
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Understood. The most common explanation in regards to these is that they are like “family pictures”…🤷…But I definitely can understand how, looking at it from the outside, it can look like “overkill”…
Also, should I honor Jesus mother like I honor my Mother, I’m not sure how comfortable i would be praying to my mother for guidance should she pass.
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Well - Would you ask your mother for guidance now?? Catholics look at intercessory prayer as being no different. We hold that the Saints can hear us and can intercede for us. So it does not matter if you are asking the person sitting next to you at church or you are asking someone who has already passed on (in a state of grace). Biblically it is, “The great cloud of witnesses”.
Also as a protestant, what are some guidelines for Honoring Mary. This is a very abstract thought for me and so are many dogmas.
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oohhhh - Whole books have been written on these things…
The simplest Guideline is to realize that Mary points to Jesus. In perfect Love, she wants only what is best for us and that is to be united with her Son in heaven. She is our Heavenly Mother and so we can and should respect and honor her. If you are a person who feels more comfortable with talking to “mom” than “dad” them talk to Mary about your problems and troubles. Ask her for guidance - but always with the understanding that everything Mary has, is and can do has it’s source in God.
If you are a person who feels more at ease talking directly to “dad”, and to Christ our King, then by all means do so with the full knowledge that Mary, our Loving Mother would never be hurt or upset by this. After all what kind of mother would she be if she were upset by your doing the very thing she tells us to do in Scripture…“Do whatever He tells you…”
Hope this helps a little
I get a weird feeling when i see 1/2 bathtub shrines(I hope that is not offensive, its just what it looks like) outside peoples houses but see nothing concerning Christ directly, like people would rather display Mary before Christ. I guess from my perspective, I think many protestants would question “Where does your priority lay?” After reading every single post on this thread, it is clear that Catholic’s priority is with Christ; however, from the outside, it does not appear to be the case.
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This is why we are so glad that folks like yourself come here and read and ask questions and learn.
As to the statues in the yards…Many people have a special devotion to Our Lady and they are simply reflecting this.

Peace
James
 
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