A Divisive Trend Since the 8th and 9th Centuries:
The Deepening Crisis of Collyridianism
in Many Christian Churches
by Mark Mountjoy
THE VENERATION OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS, has been a prominent practice in Catholic and Orthodox traditions for centuries. While these traditions maintain that their devotion to Mary is a form of honor and respect, many Protestant Christians argue that excessive Marian veneration can eclipse the central role of Christ and lead to unbiblical practices. This essay will explore the concerns surrounding Marian devotion and emphasize the importance of keeping Christ at the center of our faith.
One major issue with excessive Marian veneration is the tendency to elevate Mary to a status that rivals or even surpasses that of Christ. Some practices, such as referring to Mary as the "Queen of Heaven" or the "Mediatrix of All Graces," can blur the lines between her role and that of the divine. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5) and that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Placing Mary in a position of co-redemption or intercession can detract from the sufficiency of Christ's saving work.
Moreover, the use of physical representations, such as statues or mannequins of Mary, in worship and veneration can cross the line into idolatry. The Bible explicitly prohibits the worship of idols (Exodus 20:4-6) and calls us to worship God alone (Matthew 4:10). Bowing down before images of Mary, even with the intention of honor, shifts the focus of worship from the invisible God to a tangible object.
Another concern is the emotional intensity and attachment that some individuals have towards Mary, which can lead to a form of spiritual dependence that is inconsistent with biblical teaching. When people feel that Mary is more approachable or compassionate than Jesus, or that she can persuade Him to change His mind, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of Christ's character and the gospel message. The Bible assures us that we can approach God directly through Christ, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers us grace and mercy (Hebrews 4:14-16).
It is important to note that while we should not dishonor or speak ill of Mary, the Bible does not command Christians to actively honor her or any other biblical figure in the same way that we are called to worship and honor God. The apostles and early church leaders did not establish any special veneration for Mary, and the gospel message consistently points to Christ as the sole focus of our faith and devotion.
As Christians, our primary responsibility is to love God and follow the teachings of Christ. While we can appreciate and learn from the example of Mary and other biblical figures, our faith should be centered on God and His Word. The absence of any explicit command to honor Mary in the Bible suggests that such practices are not essential to Christian faith and can potentially distract us from the true object of our worship.
In conclusion, while Mary undoubtedly played a significant role in God's plan of redemption, excessive veneration of her can lead to unbiblical practices and detract from the centrality of Christ. As Christians, we must be discerning and grounded in Scripture, ensuring that our faith and worship are directed towards God alone. By keeping Christ at the center of our lives and focusing on His teachings, we can honor God and live out our faith in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
Pope Francis’ prayer to the Virgin Mary
to ask for peace and the end of the war | 2022