Why do Catholic Churches have so many statues of Mary? and hold her image in high regard?

Question

if she is just a regular person like the rest of us ( christian belief ) whats the big deal? And why don't " Christian " churches have statues?

Answer 1

Being the mother of Jesus Christ has its privileges

Answer 2

Roman Catholics give Mary a special place of honor due to the fact that she willing became the mother of Jesus. We do NOT worship her, nor do she "rank" anywhere near God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in importance. Mary was a human girl, just like any of us. Her "specialness" comes from the belief that she is the model of accepting God's will wholeheartedly, no matter the personal cost.

The reason most Christian churches do not have statues is that people did begin worshipping the statues and praying to the statues instead of to God. Catholics share the belief that this is idolatry and wrong, but have not traditionally gone so far as to remove artwork from its midst.

Statues, like other religious art, are intended to help a person turn his or her thoughts and prayers to the Lord. When gazing at a statue of any sait, the person praying might be reflecting on that saint's life, how that saint followed God, and how the person might strive to do the same.

Answer 3

>>>Why do Catholic Churches have so many statues of Mary? and hold her image in high regard?
if she is just a regular person like the rest of us ( christian belief ) whats the big deal?<<<

Mary was not "just a regular person like the rest of us."

She was the mother of Jesus, the bearer of the New Covenant.

Just as the Ark was the bearer of the Old Covenant -- and we never speak of the Ark as being "just a regular box."

By the way, it's not true that Catholic churches have "so many" statues of Mary. Most churches have ONE statue of her, if they have any at all.

There are also statues of Jesus, Joseph, and (sometimes) of one or more of the saints.

This does not mean that we worship the statues, of course -- any more than other Christians worship the windows in their churches.

The statues are simply reminders of the people who they purport to depict -- just as a photo of a family member on your desk serves as a reminder of that person.

Answer 4

Mary is not "just a regular person" like the rest of us. She was given a special Grace so that she could be made to give birth to the Son of God, Jesus. And from my recollection, there aren't that many staues of Mary in the Church. I only remember seeing two, one at the front right of the altar, and one at the back.

She is the model that Catholics are to live up to, giving themselves over to the will of God even when it means giving up everything that you are, have and will be.

As for "Christian" churches. . . The last I checked, a Catholic church IS Christian.

Answer 5

Catholic churches view Mary as a mediator between God and man.

The Bible teaches that we don't need to pray to Mary in order for God to hear us. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

A lot of Christian churches don't have statues because they know people have a tendancy to put a value on things...and make them an idol.

Answer 6

Because the use of her image in the beginning of the Catholic church was used to attract pagan worshipers of the God called the Queen of Heaven. Their was many pagans that they wanted to "convert" for their tithes(money). The 3rd commandment warns Christians NOT to make, have or worship any image. Sabbath keeping churches do not have ANY images, statues, pictures, or even the cross in their buildings. We love God and we keep his commandments.

Answer 7

Holy Cow!

You mean to tell me, you would look Jesus in the eye and tell Him the woman who gave birth to Him is just a regular person????

We hold Mary in high regard because she is the one chosen by GOD to be the mother of His Only Begotten Son. She was given a choice, and she said YES to God.

We can only hope to live up to her example....and that is why we honor her!

Answer 8

people don't question their beliefs and fall into the same old trap
that most sincere religious people get into, accept what they are
being told without question or research. the bible makes quite
plain and clear that no one is supposed to make any images
of any one in heaven and on earth. the catholic church is well
aware of this scripture/doctrine, but once again there goes the
power of tradition.... tradition rules in the church!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nothing else matters!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Catholics teachings do not warn against Idolatry in accordance with Bible teachings and they have diefied her to a position that isn't even hinted at in the scriptures. Certainly she had one of the greatest priveledges a woman could ever possibly have had giving birth to the son of God and all, Catholics have what I believe they call their "Great Assumptions" or something, which are assumptions that are more based on pagan teachings and practices then they are based on the bible.

Answer 10

Catholics hold much repect and honer to the blessed virgin mary, because she was the closest to Christ as his mother> We ask her to interceed to God(Jesus) for us, since she has been accepted by God like all the other saints>

Answer 11

I think that the Catholic church has misunderstood her role in Jesus' birth. She was just a regular person...except being given the most amazing job in history! Can you imagine?