by Dan Popoff

Created on: July 05, 2010

“For behold, all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)

This debate question of Mary’ divinity or just plain ole human shows the indifference to how the Theotokos is viewed in the western world. In the Orthodox Church, Mary holds a very special place. Could never understand the Western concept of Mary, I have had many Protestant Ministers asked if I would except Jesus as my Savior and be saved. The response was always the same, “only if his Mother came with that acceptance”. Of course this drew much conversation and debate. If one looks at Mary as our model in that she was first person to receive Jesus Christ. As Mary bore Christ in her womb physically, all Christians now have the privilege of bearing God within them spiritually, (Orthodox Study Bible, Page 135). Can Mary save us? No, but she can intercede for us. Is she Divine, not in the sense of God, we worship God and God alone. Intersession is a biblical concept lost to the Reformation. If this concept was not, then there would be no reason for this type of debate. One cannot believe the Bible and ignore Mary. Orthodox Christians bless her in obedience to God, fulfilling these holy words. We honor or venerate her as the Scriptures teach.

It is important to secure Mary’s identity as the Mother of God in order to protect the identity of her Holy Son, “the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32), God in the flesh. Jesus assumed his human flesh from her. Do you think He would ask this question? Recently, there was a major news story about an American Citizen that went abroad to kill an enemy of the United States. He was unsuccessful in his “divine calling to kill” and was sent back to the United States. In a television interview afterwards, he professed his divine calling in this endeavor and made disparaging remarks about the need for the Holy Mothers protection and help. Why this is relevant to this debate, is that it shows the view many ‘Christians’ have of the Theotokos.

If we all step back and thought for a second, if she was good enough for Christ who is Divine, to go to for counsel and comfort, why would it be any less for us plain humans? So Divinity in this sense would cause one to interpret the meaning of Divinity. How could anyone not look to one who is a perfect example and one who was first to receive Christ as their Savior and Redeemer?  In reading Luke 1:46-56, how can we assert just human?

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