The Catholic and Evangelical Viewpoint Debate #5

Mary, Angels, and Saints

Pastor Jim: The evangelical position is fairly simple as compared to that of Roman Catholicism. Here is a brief summary as I see it.

Mary was a godly Jewish woman who yielded her life to God's will (Luke 1:38). We consider her blessed, for God chose her to bear the Christ-child (Luke 1:48). Angels are messengers of God sent forth to execute His purposes (Hebrews 1:14). Saints are God's people. The word saints conveys the concept of separation from evil, hence holy and consecrated to God. Scripture uses the term to designate all true believers, not a class of exceptional individuals. See, for example, 1 Corinthians 1:2

Evangelic Christians, for example, do not venerate Mary, angels or saints. We do not pray to them or consider them advocates or mediators between God and us.

My thoughts: Fr. John's response to the above was made in a number of letters in the book and to not take part of different responses it is difficult to post his responses. Fr. John's responses however referenced the Catholic apocryphal books (the additional books in the Catholic Bible) which Evangelicals do not consider part of the sacred Scriptures.

My Thoughts: I believe in Mary, Angels and Saints, but believe all true believers are saints, and that we pray directly to God and only Jesus has interceded for us.