Distorted Devotions – 2

But when you put them into context the emphasis changes. First of all, the quotation in question is part of Pius IX’s letter to the world bishops consulting with them about the wisdom of defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. In other words, he is speaking within a Marian document. Second, Pius IX is expressing his own opinion and love for Mary. He is not making a formal doctrinal pronouncement. Third, this statement has to be placed within the context of the whole worship and life of the church. Taken on its own it sounds like Pius IX worships Mary. Taken in its context its clear that he doesn’t. When the words are read closely it is clear that he is referring ultimately to Jesus Christ. He is the foundation who is found “in Mary.” Jesus Christ is the one who is the source for “every hope, every grace and all salvation” and he comes to us through Mary.

Pius IX’s words can be explained, but there are two underlying points to remember when discussing Marian devotion with non-Catholics. First of all, if we are confronted with florid language about the Blessed Virgin we mustn’t apologise. Devotion to Mary has been part of the worship of the Church from the earliest days. There are many examples of what might seem like excessive language about Mary from the first centuries of the church. Here is just one sample from the writings of Athanasius:

O noble Virgin, truly you are greater than any other greatness. For who is your equal in greatness, O dwelling place of God the Word? To whom among all creatures shall I compare you, O Virgin? You are greater than them all. O [Ark of the New] Covenant, clothed with purity instead of gold! You are the Ark in which is found the golden vessel containing the true manna, that is, the flesh in which divinity resides. Should I compare you to the fertile earth and its fruits? You surpass them…If I say that heaven is exalted, yet it does not equal you…If we say that the cherubim are great, you are greater than they, for the cherubim carry the throne of God while you hold God in your hands.[ii]

Protestant Christians look to Athanasius as a hero of the faith. He’s the one who defended orthodoxy against the heretics. He’s the one who stood up against the whole world in defence of the Christology that Protestant Christians embrace today. If some Christians object to Catholic veneration of Mary as being excessive or distorted then they are not only disagreeing with Pope Pius IX in 1849 but also with Athanasius in the fourth century.

Furthermore, proper devotion to the Blessed Virgin was considered to be a sign of a proper understanding of the Incarnation and a full devotional life for Jesus Christ. It may not be those who honor Mary, but those who neglect her who are distorting the historic faith. Those who dishonor Mary should pay attention to Epiphanius who also writes from the fourth century that “who dishonors the holy vessel [Mary] also dishonors his Master”.[iii]

The main problem with the Protestant criticism of Catholic devotion to Mary is their basic mindset. Continue Reading

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