Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ
A year ago May, I boldly emailed a link to the Catholic News Service article announcing the document's release
with a copy of the document to a number of non-Catholics whom I know from Bible studies.
I wouldn't dream of such recklessness these days since misunderstanding and offense seems commonplace in the blogosphere.
The ARCIC document itself is consonant with my personal take on Marian matters. I wish that other Christians could open themselves up to at least considering whether such statements might find room in their own theologies as well.
Some quotes from the article:
"It is impossible to be faithful to Scripture and not to take Mary seriously," the document said.It seems to me that Mary’s life is a shining example of some very Protestant beliefs, namely, predestination, effectual calling, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
While Anglicans may object to the way the dogmas [Immaculate Conception & Assumption] were proclaimed [invoking papal infalliability], ARCIC members said the teachings make sense when seen in the light of a scriptural pattern through which God prepares those he has called to fulfill a special mission and rewards those who wholeheartedly cooperate with him.
She, of anyone, was “eternally secure”, could not lose her salvation. So, then, on the contrary, she ought to be a stumbling block for Catholics because Scripture portrays her as docile, as “being” rather than “doing” and Catholic tradition remembers her in contrast to (SAINT!) John the Baptist who does - preaches, fasts, baptizes, etc.; the "Mary" to his "Martha".
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