sign in sign up
<<
Home , Sacred tradition

PAUL M. WILLIAMS [18/11/16] IS ROMAN CATHOLICISM TRUE ? – PART 10

MARIOLOGY – PART 1

Introduction

Mariology is the theological name given to the doctrinal study of Mary the mother of . Thus far in our study of Roman Catholicism, in our attempt to answer the question “Is Roman Catholicism True Christianity?” we have explored many different areas of Roman Catholicism including the Papacy, the , and the . All of these areas carry huge significance and weight in determining an answer to the question that bears the title of this teaching series. Whilst it is clear that at every step of this study, Roman Catholicism though called Christian, does not bear any resemblance to the Christianity of the , there is one area that is yet unexplored in this teaching series. If one was to ask the general public for a defining person, inextricably and inseparably linked to Roman Catholicism, who would that person be? If one was to ask, which single person is foremost in the human psyche when one hears the name Roman , who would that person be? Without a shadow of a doubt, the overwhelming response would not be Jesus but instead, that of His mother Mary!!

Without question, as biblical students of God’s Word, any study of the is not complete without making mention of Mary. Indeed, as one opens the New Testament, immediately one is confronted with the person of Mary in the events that record the Christ. It is Mary who is visited by the angel Gabriel whilst still a , bearing glad tidings that she was to conceive by supernatural means and to bring forth a son whose name was to be called Jesus. He it was who was to be the Saviour of the world and the Messiah of Israel (Lk. 1:26-38). Following the birth of this Holy Child (Lk. 2:1-7), Mary and Joseph her husband are visited by shepherds having too received glad tidings from the angel of the Lord that in the city of David (Bethlehem), a Saviour was to be born, which is Christ the Lord (Lk. 2:8-17). Of this news, we are told by Luke, that Mary kept and pondered in her heart (Lk. 2:19). Forty days after His birth, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord. Upon them entering into the temple, again they are met with strange occurrences as Simeon, an aged prophet, and Anna, a prophetess who too was of a great age, both bless Jesus and prophesy of His life and mission. Around the time of Jesus’ birth, Matthew also makes mention of wise men from the East, who having seen His star came to visit the child in Bethlehem, who upon seeing Him with His mother Mary, worship Him and present to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt. 2:1-11). In a short interval, after being warned in a dream of Herod’s evil plans to kill the child, Mary and Joseph take flight to Egypt, where they reside for a time before getting word again from the angel that it is safe once again to return into the land of Israel. Upon receiving this word, Mary, Joseph and Jesus return to the land to Galilee, to their own city of residence in Nazareth (Mt. 2:19-23; Lk. 2:39).

The next we hear mention of Mary is when Jesus is twelve years old. As a family, they had gone up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover and upon leaving to return, Jesus remained behind. It was not until after a day’s journeying that it was noticed by his mother Mary and Joseph that Jesus was missing. Upon their return and after some search had been made, three days later they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the religious rulers engaging in discussion and debate. We have recorded by Luke, the words of what was spoken next.

48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (Luk 2:48-49)

All throughout these events in the early years of Jesus’ life it is Jesus that is the central focus of the writers. Where mention is made of others, it is to adorn and decorate the single person of Jesus Christ. No one reading these passages could ever arrive at the conclusion that anyone else is intended to be the focus. Mary, whilst playing a pivotal role in the life of the child as time goes by, His mother assumes a lesser and subordinate role to the one who is born King of the Jews (Mt. 2:2). In the verses above in Luke, one would not be mistaken at first glance in thinking that Jesus’ remarks to His worried mother Mary were somehow quite unthoughtful. If one’s twelve year old son went missing without permission and then when found responded by saying, “how is it that you were looking for me? Did it not occur to you that I would be about my father’s business”; a good discipline may well be in order! That is however, until you realise who it was that said these words and who His Father was!! Jesus was clearly drawing a distinction as He was growing into manhood between His earthly parents and His heavenly Father, and clearly a transitioning was taking place to which Mary herself would have to bend the knee of submission to a higher pecking order of authority! Once again, this is borne out in the next incident listed in Scripture relating to the relationship between Jesus and His earthly mother Mary:

1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (Joh 2:1-5)

By this time, Jesus had just started what was to be a ministry lasting approximately 3½ years. Indeed what He was about to do in turning water into wine was to be the first of many miracles that He would perform. It appears from Mary’s words to Jesus that she understood by this time the significance of who the Child was whom she had given birth to. Her response to Jesus at the absence of wine demonstrates that she looked to Him to do something about it! Jesus fully realising this rebuked His mother for what He deemed to be meddling in the affairs of His Father. Jesus clearly and unequivocally draws a distinction in the maternal authority His mother once exercised and the subordinate role to which she now was to assume. His choice of the word “Woman” instead of “Mother” well bear this out!! “Women, what have I to do with thee?” Later on into the Christ, His mother along with his brothers come seeking for Jesus. Due to the crowds and the press to get inside the house, they are forced to wait outside (Lk. 8:19). Word of their arrival gets through to Jesus and one can almost imagine the deathly silence as the people wait to hear what His response would be. Once again, one might be forgiven in thinking somewhat poorly of Jesus’ character as a good son on account of His response to the people gathered in that house.

46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my , and sister, and mother. (Mat 12:46-50)

What meanest the response of our Lord? “Who is my mother?” Was Jesus saying that Mary was no longer is mother? Why of course not!! Once again, bringing a clear division between the natural and the spiritual. Now in the full swing of His ministry, those who would be identified as His family were those who would be His disciples, i.e. those who follow Him. All of this serves as a great spanner in the works of which maintains that Mary is not merely and only the biological mother of Jesus, the vehicle used by God to bring His Son into this world. Official Catholic teaches that Mary remained a perpetual virgin; that Mary is free from () and at the end of her life on earth, she was taken up into heaven where she continues perpetually to be the mother of God and . Catholics believe Mary to be Co-Redemptrix (female redeemer) and (female mediator) playing a role alongside her Son not only in His earthly ministry but even now in His heavenly ministry in the of mankind! For this reason, Roman Catholic’s pray to Mary to request her intercessions on their behalf to God, since they believe her to be Queen of heaven and Mother of God (Christ). They also venerate Mary with special devotion which for many Roman Catholics is nothing short of worship! Let us look in further detail at the Roman Catholic Mary.

The Roman Catholic Mary

There are some that would take issue with the sub heading “The Roman Catholic Mary”. Is there not just one Mary of the Bible? In theory yes, but in practice no!! Though one bears the same name as another, it does not mean that it is the same person in question. As one begins to examine the Mary of Catholicism, one very quickly realises that one is looking at two different Mary’s. We shall in turn spell out what Roman Catholics believe and teach concerning Mary and spend time refuting each biblically.

The Immaculate Conception

Rome declares that Mary was redeemed from the moment of her conception and thus preserved immune from all stain of original sin!! This teaching, though held for many centuries by Roman Catholics was not dogmatically defined until 1854 by Pius IX.

Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. - of the , Paragraph 491 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p2.htm#II

It is common for to get confused with the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and mistake it to mean the conception of Jesus Christ when in fact it refers to the natural conception of Mary in the womb of her mother at which time it is believed that she was kept immaculate (without stain) by an act of God’s grace. As such, it is believed that Mary never contracted the sin of Adam (original sin) and therefore did not have a sinful nature and was kept by the grace of God from ever sinning the duration of her life!

From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. "Full of grace", Mary is "the most excellent fruit of redemption": from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life. - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 508 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p2.htm#II

When asked to provide biblical warrant for such beliefs, Rome admittedly does not have many places to go! Attempts are made by Catholics as implicit (suggested) proof for what they believe by invoking the words of the angel Gabriel at the .

28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luk 1:28)

The Greek word for “highly favoured” is “kecharitomenē ”̄ which means “endued with grace”. Roman Catholic translators translate this verse “Hail, full of grace” and maintain that this is an indication of Mary having been bestowed with grace in her Immaculate Conception. However, the context of the passage in no way indicates this. The words of the angel Gabriel are indicative of the special favour that Mary had received from God in being chosen to give birth to Messiah!

30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Luk 1:30-31) The Bible is absolutely clear that apart from Jesus Christ, every soul being born into the world is born into sin having inherited this from Adam. This by definition would also include Mary!

12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Rom 5:12)

10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one… 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Rom 3:10, 23)

Furthermore, after the annunciation, Mary visits her cousin Elisabeth and exclaims:

46…My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. (Luk 1:46-47)

Roman Catholic theologians are ever ready to defer the meaning of the above verse by insisting that Mary’s exclamation of her need of a Saviour was spoken retrospectively. In other words, they would argue that she was in need of a Saviour to redeem her which God did in her conception. Thus her words were spoken as being true before she was conceived! This by all accounts is very poor exegesis and the language of Mary in no way can be abused in this way. The clear implication is that Mary like all other women, was in need of a Saviour and the means of deliverance was provided in the child which was now found to be in her womb!!

Mary’s Motherhood

For the Christian who has holds the Bible to be the only inspired, inerrant Word of truth and the only source of divine , he sees the importance of Mary the Mother of Jesus up until a point, when, as has been shown, the Child Jesus grows into a man. After that, Mary’s job has been accomplished and she assumes her place with all of mankind in being a recipient of God’s grace and in need herself of salvation. For the Roman Catholic however, Mary’s motherhood is one of perpetual significance which reaches beyond that just of Jesus extending to His Church!

Jesus is Mary's only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save: "The Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the firstborn among many brethren, that is, the faithful in whose generation and formation she cooperates with a mother's love." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 501 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p2.htm#II

The content of the above paragraph goes well above and beyond that which the New Testament ever states about Mary. Nowhere do we find any hint or intimation that Mary’s motherhood extends to anyone apart from those whom she gave birth to in the physical. The paragraph above is fraught with error. Firstly, it maintains the Catholic position that Mary was perpetually a virgin, never giving birth to anyone other than Jesus. Yet accounts and indeed the epistles tell us plainly that Jesus did have earthly brothers and sisters. In the words of those of His own countrymen:

55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? (Mat 13:55-56)

This same James is attributed as authoring the and is the same James who presided over the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 15). Paul himself identifies James as being the brother of the Lord Jesus.

19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (Gal 1:19)

The second and by far more significant error in the paragraph (CC 501) is the point raised about Mary’s spiritual motherhood extending to all those who Christ came to save and in whose “generation” and “formation” she cooperates with her Son with a mother’s love. What we have here is a blatant exalting of Mary beyond the pale of Holy Scripture!! In elaborating on what this entails, the Catechism continues to make a number of very important points. Firstly, we have Mary playing a role during her life on earth alongside her Son in the work of salvation.

Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to his death"; it is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion: - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 964 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

In seeking to gain a better understanding of what this supposed union of mother and Son in the work of salvation is, one merely needs to continue to read in the same paragraph:

Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring with her only begotten Son the intensity of his suffering, joining herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim, born of her: to be given… - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 964 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

Whilst John’s gospel identifies Mary as being present at the cross along with her sister and two other Marys, nowhere is it even hinted at that Mary plays a role in salvation. The Bible is abundantly clear that it is Christ alone who secures salvation apart from any other agent.

3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Heb 1:3)

For the Roman Catholic, Mary’s supposed union with her Son in the work of salvation doesn’t end here on earth. Catholics believe and teach that this work continues beyond the limits of this earthly realm into the heavenly realm where it is believed that Mary was taken up where she now continues through her intercessions to bring to faithful Catholics, the gifts of eternal salvation!

The

In 1950, the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church exercised its authority in an extraordinary way when it defined by ex-cathedra as divinely revealed dogma, the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary. This doctrine was defines by the then pope, Pope Pius XII as follows:

By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory - The Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus, Article 44 http://w2.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus- deus.html

Whilst Catholics do not know for sure whether Mary died, one thing that all Catholics must believe is that Mary was assumed (taken up/received) body and soul into heaven. Once again, there is not a shred of biblical support for such a doctrine. To appeal as Rome does to as proof of a supposed oral transmission of divinely revealed truth handed down in succession from the Apostles to the Church via the , simply will not wash (for more information on Sacred Tradition see Part 5). Why then do Catholics argue for such a doctrine regarding Mary’s assumption? I believe that the answer to the question lies in a quest by the Roman Catholic Church as it has evolved through the centuries to afford to Mary the same honour and status of Jesus Christ! The Bible states that Jesus was born sinless and thus Rome maintains that Mary was too; the Bible states that Jesus purchased our salvation, and so Rome maintains that Mary had a part to play in our salvation also; the Bible states that Jesus is our mediator, yet Rome affords to Mary the title Mediatrix; the Bible states that Jesus is our Advocate, yet again Rome accredits Mary with the same title; the Bible puts forward that Jesus ascended bodily into heaven and was exalted, and thus we see Rome also maintains that Mary ascended bodily in heaven and too was exalted and given the name Queen of Heaven!!

"Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians: - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 966 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

Notable Church historian Philip Schaff in his classical work on the History of the Christian Church points out that up until the fourth century, a pre-Nicene Church had rightly honoured Mary as the mother of the Saviour. However, after the middle of the fourth century, a Post-Nicene Church, namely a Catholic one comprising of and Greek elevated Mary to a place unprecedented before that time.

“…transformed the ‘mother of the Lord’ into a mother of God, the humble ‘handmaid of the Lord’ into a queen of heaven, the ‘highly favoured’ into a dispenser of favours, the ‘blessed among women’ into an intercessor above all women, nay, we may almost say, the redeemed daughter of fallen Adam, who is nowhere in Holy Scripture excepted from the universal sinfulness, into a sinlessly holy co-redeemer. At first acquitted only of actual sin, afterward even of original.” - Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume 3, p410

When one tries to square the teachings of Rome regarding the Assumption of Mary with that of Holy Scripture, we find Rome’s teaching way out! Rome puts forward that Mary even shares in the glory of her Son’s resurrection whilst the Bible clearly contradicts this teaching when it asserts that Christ alone partakes of the privilege of resurrection and all those who are truly His, shall also partake of the same glorious resurrection but not until He comes at His !!

21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Cor 15:21-23) z How can Mary have gone ahead of all other believers in the resurrection and thus contradict the testimony of Scripture? Other places in the New Testament repeat the same sentiments as above (Rom. 8:23; 1 Jn. 3:2; Col. 3:4). When one enquires as to what Mary is now doing in heaven, the answer one will receive, once again, is a direct parallel to what Christ is now in doing heaven, namely interceding for His own!! On the earth, Mary shared in the work of salvation with her Son in union with Him in His sufferings and sorrow, whom having now ascended to heaven to intercede for the , it only follows that His mother must accompany Him to continue her work of redemption!!

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition (the passing of Mary from this earthly life) you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 966, (emphasis mine) http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

Where in the pages of the Bible can any such teaching be substantiated? In support of Christ’s ascension, exaltation and glorification, we have a plethora of verses which lay a solid doctrinal foundation on which to stand. Just to list a few of them: 5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (Joh 17:5)

51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luk 24:51)

19…according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (Eph 1:19-22)

8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of . (Php 2:8-11)

When one asks for just a single verse to the same effect, confirming the Catholic position of the Assumption of Mary, one cannot be furnished!! For Christ’s ministry of intercession we have once again, the clear doctrinal statement of Scripture, yet again, when looking for a parallel in Mary we are greeted with silence!!

34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Rom 8:34)

24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Heb 7:24-25)

It is on account of Mary’s supposed role as intercessor, that she is awarded the title “Mediatrix”. Although this title has not been elevated to dogmatic status yet (watch this space), it has been used by as a title for Mary, not least by Pope John Paul II. It is believed by Roman Catholics that Mary acts as a mediator in the salvific redemption by her son Jesus and that in turn He now bestows graces to His Church through her!!

"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." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 969 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

Again, we have the clear testimony of Scripture which declares the very opposite!!

5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1Ti 2:5)

If one thing is evident; just as the Roman Catholic Jesus is not the Jesus of the Bible, so in like manner, the Roman Catholic Mary is not the Mary of the Bible. In the next teaching part, we shall see this even more to be the case when we look at the veneration given to Mary by countless Roman Catholics along with the prayers of faith offered to her. Nowhere is this perhaps more despicably depicted than in the more than 100 Marian shrines which lie scattered the world in which millions upon millions come to offer their prayers and worship each year. We shall look at this further in the next teaching part.