FILSAFAT AGAMA TUGAS 3: PAPER

BEDJO LIE, S.E.,M.Div.

Edward Konstano C 26412151 Universitas Kristen Petra 04 12 2012

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3 I. Basic Overview of the Doctrine............................................................................................................. 4 The four Marian Dogmas .......................................................................................................................... 4 Catholic Prayers to Mary........................................................................................................................... 5 II. III. Objections to Marian Doctrines ............................................................................................................ 6 Catholics View and Personal Analysis .............................................................................................. 7

Should We Worship Mary? ....................................................................................................................... 9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 11 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Books Cited: ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Websites Cited: ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Introduction

The Catholic Doctrine of Mary: True Virgin or Pure Sin? Arguably this is the one question that many Christians today have come to question. Is it true that the figure of Virgin Mary deserves a spot to be honored? Or is it as most Protestants believe today that any form of worship to Mary is considered as a sin? As a Catholic, the mystery of Virgin Mary has lingered on my mind for quite a long time. Not only because I myself believe and have prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the topic itself has somehow became a barrier among us Christians. On one occasion when my friends and I came to the topic of religion, a friend who is also a Catholic suggested that we Christians are one. Surprisingly, another friend, who is a Protestant, dismissed the idea by saying that they dont believe in the Virgin Mary, hence saying that we are different. I never before had realized how much difference can be created through a single doctrine. I often heard Protestants claiming that the doctrine of Virgin Mary is against the bible and should not be practiced. This is the main reason why I am intrigued to find out the truth behind the question. In this paper assignment, I would like to investigate the story behind the Virgin Mary. What are the histories behind it? How important it is for Christians today to consider Mary as a pure sinless figure? What does the bible say about it? It is important to understand about the doctrine first before further discussing the right and wrong. After a much better understanding, then I would like see both Catholic and Protestant views on the issue before later on deciding on my own views of the topic. It is necessary to compare which view actually has a better reasoning. By answering these questions, then we then may find out whether the doctrine of Mary is trustworthy or not.

I.

Basic Overview of the Doctrine

Before analyzing the truth behind Catholics doctrines on Mary, its good to generally picture what are the beliefs in the Church on Mary. Basically there are few beliefs, or known as dogma on Virgin Mary. These dogmas on Mary basically have become the foundation of Catholics teachings on Mary. Furthermore, it has also build up the traditions, prayers and other sort of things related to her. I will divide this into two parts; one part on the dogmas of Mary (the four Marian dogmas) and the other are based on Catholic traditions and prayers to Mary.

The four Marian Dogmas

There are four major Marian Dogmas that Catholics believe1. The first is Mary as the Mother of God, or also known as the Divine Motherhood. In Greek, the common title for Mary was theotokos, means Mary of God. This dogma is the belief that Mary is not only the mother of human Jesus, but also the Mother of God. Catholics adapt this dogma based on some quotations from the scriptures. The second dogma is Perpetual Virginity. The dogma believes that Mary was in virgin condition before, during and after giving birth to Jesus. Through this dogma, the church believes that Jesus was not conceived by human seed, but by the power of Holy Spirit. This dogma also rejects all idea that Mary had other children other than Jesus. The third dogma is Immaculate Conception. The Immaculate Conception dogma states that from the moment of Marys conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was kept free from original sin. The dogma declares that from the beginning Mary was exceptionally holy and is united with the grace of the Holy Spirit. This dogma is the source of Marys holiness as the mother of God. As proclaimed by the Catholic church; "that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human

Miravalle, Mark I. Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion. Santa Barbara, CA: Queenship Pub., 1993. p51.

race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin." 2 The dogma refers that Mary was given the grace to be free of sin just like babies after birth baptism. The fourth Marian Dogma is the Assumption. Catholic believes that Mary was assumed into heaven by the power and grace of God.3 Marys assumption into the heaven should not be mistaken with Jesus ascension into heaven. Mary did not ascend to heaven but was assumed. This dogma has been taught in the church since as early as the 5th century.4 The dogma was declared a valid doctrine by Pope Pius XII in November 1, 1950. 5

Catholic Prayers to Mary

Blessed Virgin Mary is an important figure in the Catholic Church traditions. There are lots of prayers and rituals that are dedicated to Mary. One of the most common prayers is the Hail Mary prayer. The Hail Mary prayer is commonly used as a part of an act of penance for some sin committed 6 or other rituals in Catholic such as the Rosary and Novena. The Hail Mary prayer7: Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Catholicapologetics.info (n.d.) The Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://www.catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/general/immaculate.htm [Accessed: 1 Dec 2012]. 3 Catholicnewsagency.com (n.d.) The Four Marian Dogmas :: Catholic News Agency. [online] Available at: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/mary/general-information/the-four-marian-dogmas/ [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 4 Miravalle, Mark I. Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion. Santa Barbara, CA: Queenship Pub., 1993. p51. 5 Vatican.va (1950) Apostolic Constitution defining the Dogma of the Assumption - Munificentissimus Deus. [online] Available at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_pxii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus_en.html [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 6 Stravinskas, Peter M. J. The Catholic Answer Book of Mary. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2000. p196. 7 Vatican.va (1950) Apostolic Constitution defining the Dogma of the Assumption - Munificentissimus Deus. [online] Available at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_pxii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus_en.html [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012].

The Hail Mary prayer was not created by the pope or bishops or priests who honor Virgin Mary, but most part the prayer is taken from the Gospel of Luke. Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee was taken from Luke 1:26-28 when angel Gabriel visited Mary to foretell the birth of Jesus.

II.

Objections to Marian Doctrines

As I have mentioned before in the introduction, one of the things that has intrigued me to the topic is because of the things that divided us as Christians. One major split is the objections of the Marian Doctrines by Protestants and other Christian beliefs. For example, Protestant churches today do not have Mary in any of their sermons8. They reject the doctrines in their teaching. There are few arguments that have become the reason behind it. The first of all is the fact that almost none of the dogma comes directly from the scripture9. Most Protestants argue that the dogma is not relevant to any text from the scripture, and hence should not be said as true. For example is the fourth dogma which is the Assumption. There's no part from the bible which tells the story of Mary's assumption into heaven. The truth of this doctrine is questioned.

Besides the lack of evidence from the scripture, some of the doctrines are found to be against the scripture itself. For example is the dogma of Mary's Immaculate Conception which is said to violate Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of the God." The verse in the scripture clearly says that all human have sinned, which most likely to include Mary. However, as mentioned before, the Immaculate Conception dogma describes Mary was born sinless.

In the scripture, Jesus was told to have brothers and sisters. "And when the sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?Is not this the carpenters son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and
8

McLoughlin, William, and Jill Pinnock. Mary Is for Everyone: Papers on Mary and Ecumenism given at International Congresses of the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Winchester (1991), Norwich (1994), and Bristol (1996) and a Conference at Dromantine, Newry (1995). Leominster: Gracewing, 1997. Print. 9 Jesus-is-savior.com (2001) MARY WORSHIP by Mary Ann Collins (A Former Catholic Nun). [online] Available at: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/mary_worship_a_study.htm [Accessed: 3 Dec 2012].

Joseph and Simon and Judas?" (Mark 6:2-3). This is another text from the bible that is in contrary with the Catholic doctrines of Mary. In the Perpetual Virginity dogma, Mary was said to remain virgin throughout her life, which also means that Jesus had no brothers and sisters. Once again, the doctrine has failed to be recognized as the truth. Most Protestants agree that Mary is the mother of Jesus, however they disagree when Catholics promote Mary as the Mother of God. Protestants quoted Colossians 1:16-17, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things , and by him all things consist. Based on this text, Protestants saw how God is before all things, hence it is not possible for Mary to be the mother of God. How is it possible that Mary become a mother of God who exists before all things? The dogma of Mary is the mother of God is simply nonsense. Above all the objections to the doctrines of Mary, is the objection to worship Mary. Protestant believes that worshipping Mary is an act of idolatry and should be considered as a sin10. Catholics acts of worshipping Mary is considered as a blasphemy11. Protestants see that Mary was only a human being, not part of trinity and should not be worshipped. Further than that, Protestants questions the reason Catholics need to pray to Mary. In 1 Tim 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. More from John 14:6,Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Protestants see how praying to Mary is not relevant since Jesus was there for us to pray.

III.

Catholics View and Personal Analysis

Basically, the reason behind Protestants objection to Marian Doctrines is quite clear. Most of the doctrines are not written or probably not explicitly stated in the scripture. However, I do believe that there are reasons why the dogmas are created. Surely there should be a source, or some kind of traditions that have been adapted since the early years of Christianity or other things that has become the base of the dogmas. Even though the dogmas are not explicitly written in the scripture, it doesnt simply mean that it doesnt exist. For example, the trinity was nowhere explicitly mentioned in the bible,
10

Godlovespeople.com (n.d.) Praising Mary is Idolatry!. [online] Available at: http://www.godlovespeople.com/deceptions/maryiolatry.htm [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 11 Boateng.info (2010) Why Protestants Dont Worship Mary and Choose Only Jesus Christ | Boateng.info. [online] Available at: http://www.boateng.info/2010/08/why-protestants-dont-worship-mary-and/ [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012].

even though almost all Christians today believe in the trinity. Catholics often use historical proofs to support the missing scripture proofs in their doctrines. Most of these proofs date back to the years of early Christianity. Lets begin with the Immaculate Conception dogma. The dogma was believed to be one of the hardest doctrines to be adapted, not only by other Christians, but also for some Catholics. Take St.Aquinas for example12. The theologian express difficulty accepting the fact Mary was sinless by the beginning of her birth when Pope Pius IX introduced the doctrine. However, St. Aquinas did not reject the idea of Mary being given full grace in her life. For me, this is an example how fragile the foundation of the doctrine is. Catholic quoted Luke 1:28 "And the angel came in unto her, and said, hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." The term full of grace has been the base of Marys Immaculate Conception. The title "full of grace" comes from the Greek word kecharitomene, which describes a "perfection" and "abundance" of grace.13 Based on these, Catholics believe that angel Gabriel claimed Mary to be with a perfection of grace. How is it possible when Mary was in the situation of being filled with perfect grace but at the same time being sinful? Therefore, Catholics believe that it is possible for Mary to be sinless. Beside the quote from the scripture, Catholics used ancient scriptures and old traditions to support the dogma14. For examples are the writings by early church fathers and theologians. Origen (185-253) wrote: Mary is worthy of God, immaculate of the immaculate, most complete sanctity, perfect justice, neither deceived by the persuasion of the serpent, nor infected with his poisonous breathings ("Hom. i in diversa"). Origen is one of the early theologians who endured the Christian persecution in the 3 rd century. There are other examples. In his writing, a bishop and theologian of the 4th century, Maximus of Turin calls Mary a dwelling fit for Christ, not because of her habit of body, but because of original grace ("Nom. viii de Natali Domini"). There are others examples that can be put into list that support the doctrine. These historical proofs are quite a strong argument. Even there might be questions about the validity of the writings since it was written thousands of years ago, but still its a good proof. The bible was also written almost 2000 years ago and yet it can be called a valid scripture.

12 13

Stravinskas, Peter M. J. The Catholic Answer Book of Mary. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2000. p54. Catholiceducation.org (n.d.) Why Catholics Believe in the Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0128.html [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 14 Newadvent.org (n.d.) CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012].

Historical writings have also supported other dogmas in the Marian doctrine. For example the perpetual virginity was supported by The Protoevangelium of James. 15 The writing that was created around A.D. 120 tells how Mary had no other Children but Jesus. The brothers of Jesus quoted in the New Testament are the children of Joseph from the previous marriage. The Protoevangelium of James was written so early that surely the writer had clear sources of Marys life. This writing was quoted many times by early theologians such as Origen, Hilary of Poitiers, Athanasius and others. Hilary of Poiters even said If they [the brethren of the Lord] had been Marys sons and not those taken from Josephs former marriage, she would never have been given over in the moment of the passion [crucifixion] to the apostle John as his mother, the Lord saying to each, Woman, behold your son, and to John, Behold your mother [John 19:2627), as he bequeathed filial love to a disciple as a consolation to the one desolate" 16 What Hilary of Poiters (A.D. 300 A.D. 368) have said is very reasonable. If Mary had other sons, why would Jesus hand over Mary to John rather than His brothers? The Mary as Mother of God dogma and the assumption both was also limitedly supported by the scripture. Similar to the two previous dogmas, most of the support comes from historical writings by the early church theologians. Especially for the assumption, there are no direct quotes from the scripture that mentioned Marys assumption. However, again, the traditions have become the main support of the dogma. Early church leaders view Mary as a sinless figure and highly favored. The early church leaders quoted Genesis 3:15"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." It is argued that Mary, most intimately associated with him in that struggle against the infernal foe which, as foretold in the protoevangelium, would finally result in that most complete victory over the sin and death. 17

Should We Worship Mary?

This is the question that its answer has often been misunderstood by Protestants. Should we worship Mary? The answer is clear, as written in the bible, we should not worship Mary. Catholics have never
15

Catholic.com (2004) Mary: Ever Virgin | Catholic Answers. [online] Available at: http://www.catholic.com/tracts/mary-ever-virgin [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 16 Catholic.com (2004) Mary: Ever Virgin | Catholic Answers. [online] Available at: http://www.catholic.com/tracts/mary-ever-virgin [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. 17 http://www.justforcatholics.org/assumption.htm

disagreed with that idea. Catholics agree that Christians should only worship God and not the others. Catholics do not worship Mary, but Catholics venerate Mary.18 Catholics pray to Mary as an intercessor to God. Why not pray directly to God then? Catholics believe that praying to Mary is another way to reach God. Take an example at what happen at the marriage at Cana. Jesus was asked by Mary to help when they ran out of wine. The text from John 2:3-5; When the wine was gone, Jesus mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." From this text its clear that even though its not the time yet for Jesus to perform His miracles, He did what His mother has told him to do. This is one of the reasons Catholic see that praying through Mary can actually work! Protestant often confronts Catholics for having a prayer for Mary. Sadly though, many Protestants who have not learned the prayer itself claimed that Catholics are worshipping Mary through the prayer. Again, the Hail Mary prayer; Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The first part of the prayer was taken from the Gospel of Luke as mentioned previously. Now take a look at the bolded part of the prayer. It is clearly written, pray for us sinners. Catholics do not pray to Mary, but they ask Mary to pray for them. Just as many Protestants have asked the friends and family to pray for them, then why not ask Mary to pray for us? Our friends and family might not be as sinless as Mary but we do ask them to pray for us sometimes. If Mary was truly immaculate and she is the virgin mother of God, then clearly it is not a sin to pray the Hail Mary.

18

Miravalle, Mark I. Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion. Santa Barbara, CA: Queenship Pub., 1993. p13-14

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Conclusion
Taking a look back at the main question, The Doctrine of Mary: True Virgin or Pure Sin? I found it hard to take sides. Even though I have big faith in what is taught by my religion, I do see the reason why Protestant questions the doctrine of Mary. Before doing the research, I find myself as a Catholic who prays to Mary but not knowing whether it is right or wrong. After the research, I found out reasons why praying to Mary is improper, but at the same time I also learn the reasons why Catholics treated Mary the way it is now. When comparing the arguments of Protestants and Catholics, I found that there are missing links between the two sides which causes the arguments not beating one another. For me, its like hearing the Protestants say Hey, the bible has never mentioned that, and then surely its not true! and then hearing the Catholics say Religion is not only about the bible. Traditions and records from the past should not be ignored just like that! Which one is true then? Its not as simple as saying the bible is the word of God, hence its the only truth. Things happen in the past during the early years, and who might know that the writings selected in the bible turns out to be the fake scripture. One thing I learn from the research is that Mary worshipping is not right, but I believe that Mary should be venerated. People in the past have seen the importance to put Mary as a high figure, then why wouldnt we? They all have better resources to see how Mary should be treated since they live in a closer time gap. The texts from the bible also mention how Mary is full of Grace which kind of tells us that Mary is somehow different. However, even I believe in Marys veneration, I do learn that there are some boundaries that we should not cross. In fact, it is a very thin line that separates human from venerating and committing sin.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books Cited:
Miravalle, Mark I. Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion. Santa Barbara, CA: Queenship Pub., 1993. Stravinskas, Peter M. J. The Catholic Answer Book of Mary. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2000. McLoughlin, William, and Jill Pinnock. Mary Is for Everyone: Papers on Mary and Ecumenism given at International Congresses of the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Winchester (1991), Norwich (1994), and Bristol (1996) and a Conference at Dromantine, Newry (1995). Leominster: Gracewing, 1997.

Websites Cited:
Boateng.info (2010) Why Protestants Dont Worship Mary and Choose Only Jesus Christ | Boateng.info. [online] Available at: http://www.boateng.info/2010/08/why-protestants-dont-worship-mary-and/ [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Catholic.com (2004) Mary: Ever Virgin | Catholic Answers. [online] Available at: http://www.catholic.com/tracts/mary-ever-virgin [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Catholicapologetics.info (n.d.) The Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://www.catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/general/immaculate.htm [Accessed: 1 Dec 2012]. Catholiceducation.org (n.d.) Why Catholics Believe in the Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0128.html [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Catholicnewsagency.com (n.d.) The Four Marian Dogmas :: Catholic News Agency. [online] Available at: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/mary/general-information/the-four-marian-dogmas/ [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Catholicplanet.com (n.d.) the Hail Mary prayer. [online] Available at: http://www.catholicplanet.com/catholic/hail.htm [Accessed: 3 Dec 2012]. Godlovespeople.com (n.d.) Praising Mary is Idolatry!. [online] Available at: http://www.godlovespeople.com/deceptions/maryiolatry.htm [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Jesus-is-savior.com (2001) MARY WORSHIP by Mary Ann Collins (A Former Catholic Nun). [online] Available at: http://www.jesus-issavior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/mary_worship_a_study.htm [Accessed: 3 Dec 2012]. Newadvent.org (n.d.) CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Immaculate Conception. [online] Available at: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012]. Vatican.va (1950) Apostolic Constitution defining the Dogma of the Assumption - Munificentissimus Deus. [online] Available at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_pxii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus_en.html [Accessed: 2 Dec 2012].

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