The Apparitions Of Mary
Some Roman Catholics believe that Mary, the
mother of Christ, has actually appeared to people in places like Fatima
and Medjugorje. Well, did she?
In evaluating the alleged appearances of Mary,
our primary concern would be to determine whether these apparitions
are indeed biblical. Interestingly enough, these "Marian apparitions"
(as they are commonly referred to) are inextricably woven together with
the official Catholic teachings about Mary which, by the way, is known
as Mariology. In fact, it would be fair to say that Catholic Mariology
is the very foundation of Marian apparitions. It's been well said that
a structure is only as solid as its foundation; and in looking at Marian
apparitions, we need to examine the integrity of this whole concept
referred to as Catholic Mariology.
One of the striking features of Catholic Mariology
is its support of Mary's veneration or exaltation, on the basis of her
special relationship to Christ (cf. Matt. 12:46-50; Luke 11:27-28).
Other doctrines teach that Mary remained a virgin (cf. Matt. 1:25; 13:55-56);
that she was born without sin (cf. Rom. 3:23); and that she was assumed
or taken up to heaven. Just what are we to make of these pronouncements?
First of all, they're non-biblical, as these
dogmas have absolutely no scriptural support. Also, they clearly contradict
what the Bible already teaches. Of course, they're also unchristian
in the sense that their portrayal of Mary challenges and undermines
Christ's preeminent and unique role as Savior and Lord. For example,
Mary is given the titles "coredemptrix" and "mediatrix" to signify her
involvement (in of all things) mankind's redemption (cf. 1 Pet. 1:20-21;
1 Tim. 2:5). Such a view of Mary - a view supported by the so-called
Marian apparitions - is at best aberrant, and at worst heretical.
Well, the question remains. Are these apparitions
just hallucinations? Are they psychological projections? Can they be
written off as frauds? Or do they have a supernatural cause? Might they,
in fact, be demonically-inspired deceptions (2 Cor. 11:14-15; 2 Thes.
2:9-10)? Well, that needs to be the subject of another "Perspective."
But whether they're human or supernatural in origin, the fact remains
that Marian apparitions promote a message that runs counter to what's
already revealed in Scripture. And that can only mean one thing - namely,
that they are definitely not from God (Gal. 1:8-9).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
We recommend Elliot Miller's
and Kenneth Samples's book Cult of the Virgin (Baker) (B040/$10). This
resource is available through CRI. For shipping and handling information,
please refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order,
call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource
Listing, fax us at (714) 858-6111 or write us with your request at P.O.
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