Question 32 – Do Christians believe in Mary? 

Por Educate Magis
Nov 15th, 2020

Continuing with the exploration and reflection through a series of articles written in a conversational language about Catholicism, about God, about Jesus, about the Church and many other faith related topics. Here we present:

 

Question 32. Do Christians believe in Mary? 

In the end, what Christians say about Mary* always refers to Jesus*. Christians believe in God and Jesus, not Mary. That is why Christians* worship God and Jesus, and pray to Mary. Nevertheless, it can be said that Mary is the most important woman in Christianity*. What is so special about her?

Mary is the mother of Jesus, who Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestand Christians believe is the Son of God*. That is why Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant Christians say about her that she is the mother of God. But Mary is not a goddess. She is a human being, a unique person. That is why many Christians honour her in a special way. You can say that Mary was such an exceptional person because she could open herself one hundred per cent to God. So much so that she could receive him as a mother in her womb. Catholic* Christians therefore believe that Mary has never committed sin*. In other words, she has never, in any way, distanced herself from God. In that sense she is an example to all Christians. Believers can be inspired by her to become more faithful people in their turn.

Catholic Christians also ask Mary for her help. Because she is so intensely connected with God and with Jesus, she can help them to get closer to God and Jesus through her prayer.

– Is there something in the life of Mary that particularly appeals to you?
– Completely, or more and more open to God: what does that mean for you?

 

Watch this space! Coming up:   Question 33 – Is everyone a sinner?     

Follow these links to go back to previous questions

If you wish to learn more about this resource follow this link  “52 Questions and Answers about faith

 

About the author:

Nikolaas Sintobin, SJ, joined the Society of Jesus in 1989, following a short career as a lawyer. He was trained as a Jesuit in Brussels, Paris, and Santiago de Chile. Today he is a spiritual director who is keenly interested in online ministry and discovering new ways to help people find God.

This text is republished with the permission of Messenger Publications, Ireland. To buy a hard copy of the book click here.