The Church in Fourth Century : from Constantine to Augustine Class #10: Mariolatry

The Depiction of Mary in the Gospels Already engaged to Joseph as a young virgin Selected by God for miraculous conception but [Joseph] knew her not until she had given birth to a son. (Mt. 1:25) “Blessed are you among women,” (Elizabeth by the Holy Spirit, Lk. 1:42) “all generations will call me blessed;” (Mary, Lk. 1:48)

The Depiction of Mary in the Gospels Aware from conception & through Jesus’ childhood of his unique role (confirmed through Simeon and Anna). “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. (Lk. 2:49-50)

The Depiction of Mary in the Gospels “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn. 2:4-5)

The Depiction of Mary in the Gospels Numerous references in the gospels to Jesus’ brothers and sisters And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” (Mk. 3:21) “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mt. 12:48-50)

The Depiction of Mary in the Gospels A close eye-witness of Jesus’ death but not of his burial or resurrection Was with the disciples after the ascension (Acts 1:14) but not mentioned in Acts 2 (Pentecost)

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of Men – the Alexandrian allegorical method (Origen, Iranaeus, Tertullian) Adam’s Wife, Eve Woman, through disobedience, brings sin/death “mother of the living” Substitutes the headship of Adam (rf. Rom. 5:12ff; 1 Cor. 15:22) Mary, Mother of Jesus Woman, through obedience, bringing redemption “mother of our Lord” Substitutes the redemption of Christ

Western Monasticism Athanasius Disciple and biographer of Anthony, he brought monasticism west during his exile from Alexandria in 340 Many pilgrimaged east for the experience while others founded cloisters around Rome Offers the character of Mary as a holy virgin to inspire women (virgins) who have been drawn into monastic life.

Western Monasticism Ambrose His sister, Marcellina, was one of the first Roman nuns Established a monastery in Milan, encouraging celibacy Monasteries soon spread all over Italy Offers a series of writings depicting and contemplating Mary as a perpetual virgin

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of Men – The Gnostic Gospels (2 nd (?) -4 th c.) Products of early Egyptian monasticism Brought to scholarly attention ( ) after being sold on the black market 13 papyrus(!) codices of texts, among them claiming to be: Gospels of Thomas, of Philip, of Truth, of the Egyptians The Secret Book of John, of James The Apocalypse of Adam

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of Men – The Gnostic Gospels (2 nd (?) -4 th c.) Generously decorated the life of Mary with fables/wonders Creatively provided the names of Mary’s parents (counter to Lk. 3:23), that she was born in a cave and educated in the Temple Reinforced the growing notion that her marriage to Joseph was unconsummated.

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of Men – Monasticism Promoted the notion of Mary’s perpetual virginity (without which no true holiness could have existed) Explained away the gospel record: Brothers & sisters from Joseph’s previous marriage Cousins (Jerome)

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of Women – the Divine Feminine Collyridians – 4 th c. (female) sect who worshipped Mary as a goddess Most likely a direct carry-over from paganism in Arabia where gods and goddesses had been worshipped for centuries Similar to the cultic worship of Ceres, Isis, etc., which focused on the worship of the divine feminine through the sensual and erotic, and even including the mysteries of child-sacrifice

The Depiction of Mary in the Mind of the Church – latter half of the 4 th c. “Mother of our Lord” Handmaid of the Lord Highly favored Blessed among women Redeemed daughter of Adam venerated “Mother of God” Queen of heaven Dispenser of favors Intercessor above all women Co-redeemer Acquitted of actual sin Acquitted of original sin worshipped

The Depiction of Mary in the Practice of the Church – 5 th -6 th c. Invocation of Mary in prayer & worship services Accordance of hyperdulia to Mary (more than veneration of other saints) Churches/altars/art dedicated to Mary The imagined attributes are routinely ascribed to Mary She is already regarded as co-redemptrix to Christ

New Covenant Presbyterian Church Preaching God’s Sovereign Grace to a World of Need 128 St. Mary’s Church Rd. Abingdon, MD