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NASB | Luke 1:31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 1:31 "Listen carefully: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. |
Bible Question:
The term "Theotokos" is a Greek word which means "God bearer" or "Mother of God." It refers to a point of doctrine affirmed in the Council of Calcedon in 451 AD. As a point of discussion, tell me what you think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, being designated as "the Mother of God." Please explain your answer. Thank you! In Him, Doc |
Bible Answer: I was not familiar with the term "theotokos", but I did a little research on the internet after your reply (Thanks). It seemed to refer to, as you said, the motherhood of Mary. But also her ever-virginity? Although not familiar with the term, I am somewhat familiar with the Catholic's admiration of Mary, but no expert. But I will be glad to join your discussion. It has always made me a bit uncomfortable the way the Catholics honor Mary (along with other things in the Catholic faith). It certainly comes across as "worship", although I doubt any Catholic would say that is what they are doing. Mary certainly has an important role in redemptive history, but many others in scripture have as well. Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, etc. Understandable Mary has a unique role in giving birth to our saviour. But we should not put our an overly significant focus and "worship-like" admiration on these individuals. After all, it is God who created these human beings. The honor and credit should be given to Him for sending His son to live upon this earth and die for our sins, not to the human vessel He used. Here is a quote from www.theotokos.org " ... more honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim; without corruption you gave birth to God the Word; true Theotokos we magnify you ..." This statement is very scary and I think it boarders on breaking the first two commandments. We should be magnifying the name of God in all the earth, not Mary or any other saint. This organization/church may not adequately represent the "theotokos" view of the Catholic church, but if it does I disagree with this view wholeheartedly. Maybe this will get your discussion rolling. I look forward to seeing what you have to say. Thanks. zeppie |