Topic(s): Denominationalism

Todd Clippard

Let me begin by saying that any cult is dangerous to the church. I do not know much of the "cult of Mary," but I was able to find out it isn't a cult in the normal sense of the word (like "Moonies," "Krishnas," Jehovah Witnesses, Scientology, etc).

Any devotion or religious acts performed to Mary are without Divine authority (Colossians 3:17). Nowhere in the Bible did anyone worship Mary or command others to worship Mary. In fact, after Acts 1, there is no mention of Mary again in the book of Acts or in any of the epistles to the churches. Consider - when there was a need to replace Judas Iscariot among the apostles, the Bible notes Mary's presence at that meeting (Acts 1:14). However, she was never considered as a replacement for Judas, neither was she ever held above any other human being.

Many Catholics practice what is called Mariolatry, or the worship of Mary. Many pray to Mary, and there is a strong movement to influence the Pope to ex-Cathedra declare her as Deity and "co-redemptrix with Christ." Such is anti-biblical and an affront to God. Mariolatry is only one of hundreds of departures from Scripture practiced by the Catholic Church.

Jesus said all authority was given to him in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). In the book of Hebrews, there are dozens of references to the sacrifice of Jesus and the redemption provided through Him, but not a single mention of Mary or any role of Mary in the redemption of mankind. In Ephesians 1, there are numerous blessings spoken of by the inspired apostle Paul, and not one of them is connected in any way to Mary. In fact, all spiritual blessings are connected to Jesus and Him alone.