Complete and Total Blasphemy

One of the issues that divides Roman Catholics and Protestants is the hyperdulia of Mary. The Roman Catholic points out this is not worship, it is appropriate veneration, given to the "Mother of God." We can then expect to hear an explanation of dulia and latria, and that latria is worship of God alone. Dulia is the honoring of saints, and is not an act of worship, according to our Catholic friends. I would argue that prayer is an act of worship. I would further argue that silent prayer is an attribute that is accessible only to God. Further, that omnipresence is required to get all of the prayers that are happening worldwide at any one time, and omnipresence is an attribute of God alone.

But all questions of worshiping Mary are settled with the writings of one Alphonsus Liguori. His most famous work on Mary is found here in total, The Glories of Mary. This is how it looks folks, to get 2,000 years past the ascension of our Lord, and to have devious, evil minds work on the question of Mary and her proper role in faith. Reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts- Mary was appropriately honored, most notably in Luke Chapter 1, but downplayed almost everywhere else- especially by Christ Himself! The New Testament is Christocentric, Mary is not the focus. Contrary to the Biblical notion of Mary, in "the Glories of Mary", we see the focus shift TO her. One can read the book in whole, but I will merely post the chapter titles, and let them speak for themselves. If this is not worshipful language- the giving of God's glory to the woman Mary, giving her credit for our salvation, calling her our only hope, and calling her the giver of eternal life- then perhaps I don't know what worship means at all. To rob glory and honor from God and give it to Mary is not honoring either of them. It needs to be rejected, my Catholic friends need to repent, and turn to Christ alone as our only hope of salvation. This is the clear message of the Gospel- repent, turn from your sins, turn to your only hope- Jesus Christ- He alone is our salvation, by no other name are we saved- He is Lord God almighty, and it is blasphemy to teach otherwise.

Here are the chapter titles of the book, to give you an idea of where A. Liguori takes dulia, and you tell me if this sounds like worship given to a goddess, or mere veneration. From the first book-

1. How great our confidence should be in Mary, who is the Queen of mercy. (Mary is the mother of penitent sinners)

2. Mary is our life, because she obtains for us the pardon of our sins. She is our life because she obtains for us perseverance. Mary is our sweetness: she renders death sweet to her clients.

3. Mary is the hope of all- Mary is the hope of all sinners.

4. The promptitude of Mary in assisting those who invoke her. The greatness of the power of Mary to defend those who invoke her when tempted by the devil.

5. The necessity of the intercession of Mary for our salvation.

6. Mary is the advocate who is able to save all...Mary is the peace-maker between sinners and God.

8. Mary delivers her clients from Hell. Mary succors her clients in purgatory- Mary leads her servants to heaven.

9. How great are the clemency and compassion of Mary.

If you can stomach more, read the hymns dedicated to her- and tell me they are not worship.

Look at these attributes in the list- to say that Mary gives salvation, she intercedes, she has great power in her name, she is our only hope, she can save all, she delivers you from Hell, and leads you to heaven. To believe these things, your soul is doomed to eternal damnation in Hell. You will die in your sins. Mary is none of those things, nor she can do any of those things. How can I know that? The Holy Scriptures.

Jn 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to Father except through me."

Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

Jesus said ask in His name and you shall receive. What can Mary do that Jesus the Lord can't?

Ligouri wants you to know this-

"But those who hope in Mary, as Mother of God, who is able to obtain graces and eternal life for them, are truly blessed and acceptable to the heart of God, who desires to see that greatest of His creatures honored...."

But it would seem this blasphemous Mary worshiper does not understand that Christ Jesus alone has obtained eternal salvation for His people. The honor does not belong to creatures- it belongs to the Creator.

Hebrews 9:12 -and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Hebrews 12:2-fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 10:14- For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Jesus Christ alone has obtained eternal life, redemption, He is the author and perfecter of our faith, and has perfected us for all time- what need could we possibly have for Mary? None! Jesus did it- it was the work of God, for our salvation. Giving Mary the credit as though she achieved the work of the cross is unbiblical and absurd- and dangerous. How many people died clinging to the lies of Ligouri, to discover their hope was misplaced? Millions?

To all, I want to encourage you to read the Holy Bible with an open, receptive heart. Find out from God, as revealed in the Scriptures, how it is that we are saved. Ligouri and his prayers and psalms are blasphemous lies, and do not belong on the lips of anyone.

In Christ,
Garret