Why don't protestants bless Mary?

I probably hold the BVM in higher regards than most Protestants do but not to the degree that the RC or EO do. Most Protestants would 'call Mary blessed' due to the fact that she was chosen to bear the Christ.

Both but more the former than the later. When I say the Rosary it's typically the Lutheran form of it. I struggle praying 'to' saints but I do believe they pray for us. But when I do, I choose Mary due to the fact a good Son listens to His mother

Open Heart said:

Scripture says that all nations will call Mary blessed. Why is it that so many Protestants refuse to do so? Are they so afraid of appearing Catholic that they are willing to disrespect the Mother of our Lord?

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How is not making an idol of Mary "disrespecting" her?

The only time they ever even talk about Mary when they either drag her out for Christmas or, in extreme cases, when they are disparaging her to say she was merely an incubator and no one special. What is with that?

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Because Christ is the focus of our religion, not Mary.

Open Heart said:

Are you saying that Christ is not the focus of my religion???????? That I can't venerate Mary, and still have Jesus be my Lord, God, and Savior???????????????????

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Why would you think you can worship both Jesus and Mary? God has already declared that He will not share His glory with another.

Open Heart said:

I worship Christ. I only venerate Mary. Has no one ever explained the difference to you before? Or is it that you have had it explained to you and you just didn't care, because YOU have decided that Catholics worship Mary?

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Sure. Catholics have tried to claim that worship and veneration are different things. But their nonsense tends to fall apart pretty quickly once I call their bluff and examine the things they call "veneration" in light of scripture.

South Bound said:

Sure. Catholics have tried to claim that worship and veneration are different things. But their nonsense tends to fall apart pretty quickly once I call their bluff and examine the things they call "veneration" in light of scripture.

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When the Flag comes out, do you put your hand over your heart? That's veneration right there. In fact if an alien saw it, he might even think it was a religious act of worship.

Open Heart said:

Scripture says that all nations will call Mary blessed. Why is it that so many Protestants refuse to do so?

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Do you mean that they don't speak of her in exactly that stilted way -- "Blessed Virgin Mary?"

Are they so afraid of appearing Catholic that they are willing to disrespect the Mother of our Lord?

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I must have missed the part where you showed that they "disrespect" the BVM. So far, all I see is not using the word "Blessed" enough.

The only time they ever even talk about Mary when they either drag her out for Christmas or, in extreme cases, when they are disparaging her to say she was merely an incubator and no one special. What is with that?

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I'd say it's an illustration of the dangers of generalizing and of using stereotypes to make a point. It's like saying, "Why do Catholics disrespect Christ by never taking their coats off when attending Mass and running for the exits at the Last Gospel?"

Open Heart said:

Scripture says that all nations will call Mary blessed. Why is it that so many Protestants refuse to do so? Are they so afraid of appearing Catholic that they are willing to disrespect the Mother of our Lord? The only time they ever even talk about Mary when they either drag her out for Christmas or, in extreme cases, when they are disparaging her to say she was merely an incubator and no one special. What is with that?

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Gosh, is that all we ever do?

I can't talk for anyone else, and won't even dare try to speak for the Church of England as a whole, but the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Anglican churches I have attended all referred to her) is looked upon with great respect, and certainly never has she been treated as a Christmas novelty.

There are some who do not view the Holy Mother in such a light, that is true, but outright disrespect? Each I've met has always called Mary Blessed, none have stated her as being a convenient womb and nothing more. Am I such an ostrich that I've never witnessed any Christian who does not respect Mary for the role she played in our faith?

Open Heart said:

Scripture says that all nations will call Mary blessed. Why is it that so many Protestants refuse to do so? Are they so afraid of appearing Catholic that they are willing to disrespect the Mother of our Lord? The only time they ever even talk about Mary when they either drag her out for Christmas or, in extreme cases, when they are disparaging her to say she was merely an incubator and no one special. What is with that?

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This is the reason why. Protestants mean no disrespect to Mary - but God said He will not give His glory to another.


Isaiah 42:8 (KJ21)
8 I am the Lord; that is My name. And My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.

SharonL said:

This is the reason why. Protestants mean no disrespect to Mary - but God said He will not give His glory to another.

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He also said to honor our father and mother. Honoring a human being does not detract from God's glory.


Isaiah 42:8 (KJ21)
8 I am the Lord; that is My name. And My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.[/QUOTE]

Open Heart said:

The episcopal church that I used to be a minister of music at was very respectful of Mary; every rule of thumb has its exceptions.

Oh trust me, you are lucky if you have never run into them. I've met those who have literally used the word "incubator."

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Well, whether or not that's so, it doesn't make much sense for we who have been answering you to represent them, does it? You need to ask them, and the Hagiography forum is not one of their favorites.

Open Heart said:

Scripture says that all nations will call Mary blessed. Why is it that so many Protestants refuse to do so? Are they so afraid of appearing Catholic that they are willing to disrespect the Mother of our Lord? The only time they ever even talk about Mary when they either drag her out for Christmas or, in extreme cases, when they are disparaging her to say she was merely an incubator and no one special. What is with that?

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All it says is that she will be called blessed, nothing more. I agree she was blessed of God. Prophecy fulfilled.

Anything more than that goes beyond what the scriptures say abut her.