Protestant view on Marian Apparitions:

[Dominus Fidelis]

I think it would be more accurate to say we understand it differently to RCs, whose understanding is correct is a another matter

I was told repeatedly last week that Mary and the Saints can't interecede for me because they are "dead." According to that understanding, I don't see how protestants in general even believe the Communion of Saints exists in the first place, let alone understand it.

I am speaking generally of course and am aware that many different beliefs exist in Protestantism.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Personally, I think they are hoaxes and superstitions.

Just curious if you are aware of the details of Fatima? Did you know 70,000 people saw the sun descend to the earth. These were secular and religious witnesses.

No, it is either demonic or from God.

 

[ChrisB]

I don't see how protestants in general even believe the Communion of Saints exists in the first place, let alone understand it.

I think the main difference between RC and Protestant views on this would be that the RC "Communion of the Saints" often seems to be just code for "Intercession of the Saints" which Protestants reject.

 

[ChrisB]

Just curious if you are aware of the details of Fatima? Did you know 70,000 people saw the sun descend to the earth. These were secular and religious witnesses.

No, it is either demonic or from God.

As my earlier post suggested we have to ask ourselves "what purpose did it serve?"

 

[27D4]

I'm still trying to figure out the purpose of the 'secrets' revealed to the visionaries.

 

[bigsierra]

Since the "jury is still out" in Catholic circles on Medjugorje, I don't think you will find the answer here. There are some Catholics that feel very strongly that Medjugorje was not from God, based on the circumstances.

There are appearances that have been held as true though, e.g. Fatima. Some folks have come to faith because of Medjugorje, but that doesn't not prove it was true either.

 

[kimber1]

http://www.mcn.org/1/Miracles/med2.html

In fairness to the RCs though I understand that the turning of objects into gold is a phenomena endorsed by some Charismatic and Evangelical churches as well. I don't deny that God can and does work miracles today but what I do deny is that He ever does "party tricks". If you look at the NT miracles in particular you will see that they always addressed some particular need or theological point. I would, therefore, have to assess each of these incidences on their own merits.

ah okay, i went and looked at the link. i'd never heard of that before but i think it's kind of cool myself, but that's just my opinion

 

[LuxPerpetua]

One of the things I love about the Lord is that He doesn't let our traditions get in the way of His love for us. I am a Protestant and therefore don't embrace Catholicism's deep love for Mary. Although, I must admit that "The Passion" has caused me to emphasize with her much more than I did before, and I don't think that is a bad thing.

But, whether we Protestants agree or not, Mary is a big part of the Catholic tradition and I have a hard time believing that God would have problems with their love for her. In fact, it more than likely blesses Him. Therefore, it is quite reasonable,in my opinion, to assume that He would use these Marian miracles to bless and encourage those of the Catholic traditions. Perhaps we Protestants are missing out on these miracles because of our predjudices.

As far as some of these Marian miracles being demonically inspired, I believe that that is probably happening, as well. When we examine the revivals of men like Finney, Brainard, Whitfield, Edwards, et al, we read documented accounts of many miracles that drew people to God. But, we also can see many false miracles that caused confusion and division and eventually could be considered resonsible for snuffing these revivals out. It would appear that satan won in the end. But, it's not that way really. Thousands of people gave their lives to Christ before the devil got a foothold.

Really, we see this same kind of thing happening today. I sometimes don't think it's evil spirits as much as the human spirit that gets in the way and ultimately snuffs out the work of the Holy Spirit. Most every church is started with revived hearts, love and joyful worship. Then man gets in the way and turns it into stone, brick and steel.

I really feel it grieves the Holy Spirit when Christians begin railing against other Christians just because their experience with God is different that their own. God has to deal with galaxies imploding on themselves on a daily basis; don't you think He is a big enough God to work through our individual theological understandings of Him and still love us and perform miracles? I do.

I agree! Very well put! I hate putting God in a box, ya know????

I think 1 Cor 13:12 fits here: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

I highly doubt that any of us get everything about our faith correct.


On a side note, I've asked similar questions to this thread on the TAW board, and found out that Orthodox Christians don't recognize either the immaculate conception of Mary or the appearances of Mary to Catholics post the 1054 schism. Thus, the differing interpretations of Marian apparitions aren't just Protestant v. Catholic thing. Orthodox also do not pray the Rosary and do not confirm that Mary gave the Rosary to Christians as a part of their devotion. In case anyone cares . . .

 

[LeeS]

Some of the main questions I have are:

Have there been past instances of Mary appearing to groups of Protestants?

What is your denominations view on apparitions?

Do you believe that these appearances could be demonic, meant to deceive believers?

Any information or opinion would be helpful.

It is my opinion that any apparition that brings attention to itself over Jesus is not of God. With several, if I remember correctly, the apparition told people to build a church in "her" name. Statues that bleed and cry people falling all over themselves to get a glimpse. I don't know.

But in all honesty, I've seen people claim some pretty outragious things in the Penticostal and Charasmatic church too. And I personally have never seen a one of them. I don't know.

To me it still all boils down to "who's getting the attention?" Jesus or the apparition of Mary. The deceptive part would be catering to the people's need to "see". An apparition causing distraction from what is real truth and causing the people to walk by sight instead of faith. People walking according to the instructions of the apparition instead of the Word of God.

Just my opinion.