Br. Shaliach, I’m a Roman Catholic but I don’t worship Mary. Why do Protestants keep accusing us of that?
– Rena, Mumbai
Answer:
Thank you for your question Rena. Many Catholics feel misunderstood—and rightly so. Not everyone bows before a statue or prays the rosary. But to answer your question, we must go beyond assumptions and look at Scripture itself.
1. Worship Is Not Just Intent—It’s Direction
In Hebrew, the word for worship is “shachah” (שָׁחָה), meaning “to bow down, to prostrate oneself.” In Greek, it’s “proskuneō” (προσκυνέω), meaning “to kiss toward, to adore.” It doesn’t only refer to what you intend—it refers to the one receiving your reverence.
God alone is worthy of such devotion. Even angels refused it.
Revelation 22:8–9 — “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me, ‘Do not worship me; I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who heed and remember and obey the words of this book. Worship God.’” (AMP)
Intent is not the only issue. The direction of honour matters. If reverence or appeal is given to anyone above or beside Christ, it draws the heart subtly away from Him.
2. Veneration or Worship—Where Do We Draw the Line?
Many Catholics distinguish between latria (worship), dulia (honour to saints), and hyperdulia (special honour to Mary). But these distinctions are not found in Scripture. The early believers didn’t make these categories.
Acts 10:25–26 — “When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, ‘Stand up; I too am only a man.’” (AMP)
Even sincere honour, when directed to humans or angels in spiritual settings, was corrected. Peter never permitted veneration. This doesn’t mean every Catholic is idolising Mary, but it does mean the system has introduced forms that blur the supremacy of Christ.
3. The Root of Concern
Protestants/Evangelicals often react not to individual Roman Catholics but to the system’s emphasis. When prayers are directed to Mary, when images are kissed, and when titles like “co-mediatrix” are used, they reflect teachings not found in the Word.
1 Timothy 2:5 — “For there is only one God, and only one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus.” (AMP)
The word “mediator” in Greek is “mesitēs” (μεσίτης), meaning one who stands between to reconcile. There is no scriptural example of anyone else: Mary or otherwise—occupying this role.
4. True Honour in the Kingdom
Mary was honoured, yes. She was chosen, blessed, and favoured. But her own confession points us away from her and towards God.
Luke 1:46–47 — “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.’” (AMP)
Mary needed a Saviour. She never called for adoration but only for obedience to Christ.
John 2:5 — “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’” (AMP)
That is the true legacy of Mary. Not to draw attention to herself—but to direct others to Jesus.
5. The Heart of the Matter: Christ Alone
The true Church is built on Christ alone. Every function, prayer, and devotion must reflect His headship. Anything that replaces or supplements His centrality—even unintentionally—must be laid aside.
Colossians 2:8 — “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition and musings of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.” (AMP)
Devotion must never become a distraction. Honour must never become a replacement.
Hope this answers your question.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
