Mary plays a unique role in biblical history. She was a chosen vessel to conceive Jesus the Messiah through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Bible even classifies her as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:42).

While Protestants generally acknowledge Mary’s significance and honor her unique role, they often disagree with Catholics who elevate her to godlike status through their Traditions.

Historically the official worship of Mary was established in  the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., and prayers to Mary were introduced around 600 A.D.

In other words, the idea that Mary had greater influence in heaven than what was depicted in the scriptures took a few hundred years to develop.

But the idea of a goddess or female deistic figure isn’t confined to the Catholic faith. Pagans have been creating goddesses as early as the Old Testament days.

But why Mary when we already have Jesus?

The whole motive and need for Mary developed because Catholics believe Jesus is angry and vengeful towards us (since we crucified Him on a cross). Therefore, they say Mary, in her compassion and maternal role, can communicate with Jesus on our behalf.

The following is a statement from Saint Alphonsus Liguori, a Catholic bishop and theologian, from his work The Glories of Mary:

“If my Redeemer rejects me on account of my sins, and drives me from His sacred feet, I will cast myself at those of His beloved Mother Mary, and there I will remain prostrate until she has obtained my forgiveness; for this Mother of mercy knows not, and has never known, how to do otherwise than compassionate the miserable, and comply with the desires of the most destitute who fly to her for succor; and therefore, he says, “if not by duty, at least by compassion, she will engage her Son to pardon me. 

There is no mention of such a thing in the scriptures. Instead, it commands us to make our requests known to Christ alone.

1 John 5:14 (NKJV)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

According to the verse above and contrary to the quote from Pope Liguori, God is not vengeful towards believers; instead, His love and sacrifice for us should bring us closer to Him.

Worship of Mary

By simply looking at some of the false claims the Catholic Church makes, it is evident that the Roman Catholic Church has a very high view of Mary (almost to a divine status).

Catholics believe that Mary was sinless, mirroring the sinlessness of Jesus. They also teach the doctrine of the Assumption, which holds that Mary was taken bodily into heaven. Additionally, various titles are ascribed to Mary within Catholicism, including ‘Mother of God’, ‘Mother of the Church’, and ‘Co-Redemptrix’.

By any honest definition, the Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary can only be considered idolatry. They kiss images and statues made of her, and even kneel before them in reverence. There is even a prayer routine dedicated to her called the Rosary. If these don’t qualify as worship, what is it?

It is also common for Catholics to respond to said arguments concerning ‘Mary worship’ by asserting that they only ‘venerate’ Mary.

But what is the difference between worship and veneration? According to the Roman Catholic Church, the supreme or highest form of worship is reserved for God alone (‘latria’), while Mary is venerated in the lesser sense (‘hyperdulia’) as she is claimed to be the holiest of creatures.

While they have formally made this internal distinction, what they do in practice is very similar to worship.

It is common for them to openly pray to Mary and even have separate services dedicated to praying to her to intercede on their behalf with God.

While Protestants still honour Mary because of her faithful obedience and her role as the blessed mother of our Lord (Luke 1:43) there are a few reasons why elevating her to a deistic figure/status is heretical and idolatrous.

• Mary was a human being, not God, so to worship her is to break the command in scripture that states, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matt. 4:10).
• Even Mary confessed that she was a sinner who needed a Savior, just like anyone else. She said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46).
• The angel from God did not affirm that Mary was to be blessed ‘over’ all women but simply ‘among’ all women (Luke 1:28). In practice, many Roman Catholics exalt Mary above all women, virtually to the place of God.
• The titles added to Mary like “Co-Redemtrix,” and “the Queen of Heaven” did not originate from the Bible but rather they originated from a pagan influence on Christianity that is patterned after the old Babylonian goddess who was called “the queen of heaven” (Jer. 7:18; 44:17–19, 25).

Furthermore, if Mary is truly to be worshipped, wouldn’t Jesus have established such a teaching?

Jesus could have easily established the worship of His mother in Luke chapter 11.

Luke 11:27 (NKJV)
And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”

Jesus had a clear opportunity here to elevate Mary’s standing in the church and to attribute to her the right to be worshipped.

The only thing Jesus had to say in response was to acknowledge the comment. But instead, He responded by saying, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11:28)  

Christ’s response makes it clear that Mary was an ordinary human being and that she had no special claim to Him or access to Him that no other person possessed.

Moreover, He rejected any notion that she had more authority, power, knowledge, or blessing than anyone else.

His response, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it,” clearly indicates that all who practice Christ’s commands are indeed as ‘blessed’ as Mary, as she obeyed the will of God.

Mary’ apparitions

Throughout history, numerous claims of Mary appearing in places such as Mexico, France, and Belgium have captivated those faithful to her. These events, known as Marian apparitions, are revered by many but also raise critical questions in theological discourse.

The reported sightings of the Virgin Mary, have occurred in various cultural and historical contexts, with some of the most notable being Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Fatima. These events often involve messages or visions attributed to Mary and have led to significant devotion and pilgrimage sites.

Can any of this be true? Lets examine this by asking some pertinent questions about this:

• Why would God allow these apparitions? If Mary appears to people, prompting gatherings and devotion, one might wonder why Jesus Himself does not appear in a similar manner.
• Observers often note that Mary is depicted as sorrowful or crying in these apparitions. What is the significance of this portrayal?
• If Mary possesses significant power or authority, as some apparitions suggest, why is this not more explicitly documented in the Bible?
• If these apparitions are meant to convey divine messages, why do they often focus on Mary instead of reinforcing the central message of the Gospel—salvation through Jesus Christ alone?
• Why do these appearances occur mostly within specific cultural or religious contexts? If they were truly divine, wouldn’t they be more universal, transcending cultural and denominational boundaries?

In biblical terms, these apparitions cannot be from God for two reasons;

(1)  God forbids talking to the dead in any form (Deuteronomy 18:11 / Leviticus 19:31 / Leviticus 20:27).Therefore, it is odd that God would allow Mary to do something that He has prohibited.

(2)  Theologians also argue that certain messages delivered during these apparitions contradict fundamental biblical teachings.

The question is, if such supernatural events aren’t God’s doing, then who is? It is easy to deduce that these events are concocted by Satan to deceive the masses.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV)
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Scripture clearly teaches that Satan wants your mind. He will use any means necessary to scare you, or encourage / motivate you if that leads you astray. His goal is always to distract people away from the Christ of Scripture.

Therefore, Christians should be Biblically prepared and on guard by testing everything against the word of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (NKJV)
Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Immaculate Conception of Mary

The Roman Catholic Church claims that Mary was conceived in the same way Jesus was, that is, without sin.

In 1854 Pope Pius IX issued the famous document called “bull –ineffable, ineffabilis”, where he said this:

“Mary was preserved by Immaculate Conception when conceived in her mother’s body and was miraculously free from pollution of sin inherited from Adam. She was, in soul and body, wholly sinless, stainless, undefiled, pure, innocence.” 

De Liguori, in his book “The Glories of Mary,” page 297, writes:

“Even her body was preserved from corruption after death. The flesh of Mary and that of Christ are one. The glory of the son is one with that of his mother.” 

Over the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has seemingly 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 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.” 
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church 123 #491)

This is one of the first Catholic dogmas concerning Mary, which all Catholics must adhere to; otherwise, they are in danger of being anathematized (deemed accursed by the Church). All followers must believe that Mary was immaculately conceived without original sin.

The problem with this argument is that if we continue venerating Jesus’ parents, where do we draw the line? Should we begin venerating Mary’s parents, or even her grandparents? None of these doctrines have any basis in the Bible; they rely solely on the supposed revelations proclaimed by the Popes. Why does Scripture remain silent on such matters? And why is there no historical evidence to support these claims? Ultimately, these teachings raise more questions than they answer, urging us to return to the clear teachings of Scripture and place our faith solely in what God has revealed through His Word.

Was Mary a Perpetual Virgin?

The Roman Catholic Church venerates Mary, the mother of Jesus, not only for her role in the divine birth of Christ but also for her perpetual virginity—a belief that she remained a virgin before, during, and after Jesus’s birth.

In an attempt to justify their false beliefs, the Church even claims that Mary gave birth in a miraculous way without opening her womb or causing her body any injury.

However, the scriptures do not provide any account of this detail, so how do they know this?

First of all, we know the Roman Church must be descriptive about such details because they cannot allow for a “sinless” Mary to have any wounds or injuries. Because her perfect body would be damaged by the normal delivery through the birth canal, therefore they add that Jesus was conceived through some miraculous way.

Moreover, the Catholic doctrines state that after Jesus’ birth, she remained a virgin until her death. Here are some quotes about this;

Alan Schreck, in The Basics of the Faith, the Catholic Catechism, says: “Out of respect for the fact that God Himself had dwelt and grown in her womb, she remained a virgin all her life.”  

Additionally, the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church claims;

“The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary’s real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man. In fact, Christ’s birth did not diminish his mother’s virginal integrity but sanctified it. And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as the “ever-virgin.”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church 126 #499)

All these claims fail to line up with the scriptures that clearly state Jesus had other brothers and sisters.

Following are some of the verses in the Bible that show Jesus had siblings:

Matthew 12:46-47 (NKJV)
While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”

Acts 1:14 (NKJV)
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Galatians 1:19 (NKJV)
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

Matthew 1:24-25 (NKJV)
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth herfirstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

The Roman Catholic Church responded to these verses by claiming that the individuals mentioned here were not His brothers / sisters, but rather His cousins.

Against this doctrine the objective is sometimes raised that the Bible mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus. The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary. In fact James and Joseph, “brothers of Jesus,” are the sons of another Mary, a disciple of Christ, whom St. Matthew significantly calls “the other Mary.” They are close relations of Jesus, according to an Old Testament expression.
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church Page 126 #500)

However, when we understand the original language, the Greek word used here actually means ‘brother’ and not cousins.

Furthermore, some have attempted to defend Mary’s perpetual virginity by stating that Joseph had a previous wife (from whom the brothers and sisters of Jesus were descended), but this is not supported historically or biblically.

Mary’s virginity is taught in Scripture before the birth of Jesus, but her continued virginity is not supported by the Bible.

Lastly, even if she remained a virgin and withheld her body from her legal husband, the Bible would condemn this act as a sin, as recorded in the book of Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NKJV)
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

What about Mary as Co-Redeemer?

The Roman Catholic Church venerates Mary, attributing to her a unique role as a Co-Redemptrix alongside Jesus Christ. This doctrine posits that Mary participated in the redemption process in a singular and profound way.

Let’s see some quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church;

As St. Irenaeus says,”Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race. Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert…”The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.” Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary “the Mother of the Living” and frequently claim: “Death through Eve, life through Mary.”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church Page 125 #494)

“Taken up to heaven she (Mary) did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation…”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church Page 252 #969)

“She (Mary) is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son.”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church Page 303 #1172)

The Roman Catholic doctrines directly contradict the teachings of the Bible that upholds that salvation is exclusively through Jesus Christ. Here are a few verses that clearly demonstrate that salvation is only possible through  the saving work of Jesus;

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Luke 2:11 (NKJV)
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

These verses underscore the doctrine that Christ alone is the mediator between God and humanity, negating the possibility of any human, including Mary, sharing in this redemptive role. To believe that Mary has the same status as Jesus as a redeemer and savior is heretical.

Should we pray to Mary?

In the Roman Catholic Church, Mary is held in high regard and reverence, so it is not surprising that people pray to her.

Scriptures, however, show that the Gospel writers were very careful when they addressed Mary.

Mary may have confided in Luke (the writer of the third gospel) certain facts surrounding Jesus’ birth during Luke’s travels with Paul. However, is she able to submit our prayers to God? No, and here are three reasons why:

(1) Praying to Mary contravenes the example of the apostles:

There are multiple instances in the New Testament where God-inspired leaders pray together, but no prayer is directed towards Mary.

Throughout Ephesians 3:14-21, we see Paul praying for his friends at Ephesus to be strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in their hearts.

It is clear from Paul’s prayer that all three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned without mentioning Mary, which is consistent with the entire New Testament.

(2) Praying to Mary contradicts the attitude of Mary herself

In Mary’s song recorded in Luke, we can see her identifying with needy humanity by her words;

Luke 1:46-47 (NKJV)
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Mary’s humility, obedience, and sense of dependence are evident in the gospel accounts; she even called herself God’s handmaiden.

Mary’s humility, obedience, and sense of dependence are evident in the gospel accounts; she even called herself God’s “handmaiden,” a term that means a female servant or maid. By referring to herself this way in Luke 1:38, Mary acknowledges her complete submission and willingness to serve God’s purposes, demonstrating a profound humility and acceptance of God’s will for her life.

With this understanding of Mary’s character, it would be contrary to her nature to allow herself to be called extravagant titles such as ‘Mother of God’ that are directly opposed to her character as revealed in the Scriptures.

(3) Praying to Mary undermines the truth of the Incarnation

The whole point of God coming into the world and taking on human form was so that in Jesus Christ, we would have the flesh and blood mediator between God and humanity.

Through Jesus’ work alone, we have access to the throne of God.

1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

It is an unfortunate that millions pray to Mary for various things. But the truth is that she has never heard any of those prayers.

Concluding Remarks on Mary

Mary’s idolatry is a deception of Satan and an attack on God.  With titles like ‘Mother of God’ and ‘Queen of Heaven’, she is made a rival to the King in Heaven, who is Christ.

She is also transformed into a savior who can grant salvation through her prayers on behalf of those who call on her. Consequently, her followers are compelled to love, worship, and enthrone her.

“At the command of Mary all obey, even God.”
Quote from De Liguori in “The Glories of Mary,” page 566.

The worship of Mary and her false role in the lives of the Catholics is also blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the role He promises to fulfill in the lives of the believers. Mary as per Roman Catholic tradition has been given roles such as comforter, sympathizer, helper, advocate and encourager. But according to the Scriptures, these are works of the Holy Spirit of God.

The elevation of Mary as a “co-redeemer” is also an attack against the second person of the Trinity. By Roman Catholic dogma, she becomes a counterfeit savior and redeemer, a provider of salvation, forgiveness and the source of all spiritual blessings.

Additionally, the Catholic Church claims she was born sinless and lived a sinless life, which is why she is called “all-holy”, a title that rightfully belongs to God alone.

More importantly, none of the claims made by the Catholic Church are supported by scripture, which is largely silent about her. There is no description of her character and physical appearance. There is no biblical example of anybody praying to her, honoring her or even ‘venerating’ her.

Despite the fact that most Roman Catholics don’t read their bibles, most will be surprised to find how little the Bible mentions Mary compared to what the Catholic system does. Where do they get all this information? The answer is simple. They are simply man-made fabrications of the mind or the work of demons.