A lot of people sincerely assume that Catholics devotion to the Virgin Mary implies that Catholics worship Mary. Is this assumption correct? Let’s find out.
Common Sense Answer:
To answer this recurring question, let us consider this:
- A child kneels in front of a bed whiles praying. Is the child guilty of worshipping the bed?
- A pastor lies on the floor whiles crying, singing and praying. Is the pastor committing idolatry?
The fact that the bed and the floor are graven images or objects of things under the Earth doesn’t imply that they are committing idolatry by worshipping those objects in front of them whiles in prayer. This is true for Catholics who pray in front of statues of Mary and the saints.
Reconsider this:
- Why is it right for people to have pictures of their loved ones including dead relatives who may or may not be in Heaven but wrong to have pictures of people who are in Heaven like Mary, Joseph, Peter and the Saints?
- Why is it right to have statues of fallen heroes like kings, presidents and soldiers who may or may not be in Heaven but wrong to have statues of people who are in Heaven like Mary, Michael, Stephen and the Saints?
This is certainly anti-Catholic bigotry. It’s a case of double standard to keep photos and statues of relatives, friends and national heroes while rejecting those of the very friends of God in Heaven. Only the enemies of God reject His friends.
When we admire the beauty of creation, how the birds fly and the tides of the sea, we do not detract from the honour due to God who we believe is the Creator. We simply add to the magnificent praise and honour due to Him. This is also true for Mary and the Saints. Any honour and admiration rendered to them does not take away the slightest honour from God who made them and graced them to be who they are now in Heaven.
Godwin Delali Adadzie