The Cult of the Virgin: Catholic Mariology and the Apparitions of Mary (Cri Books)

Rating:
Summary: Interesting outline of Mariology from Protestant perspective
Review: In Miller and Sample's "The Cult of the Virgin Mary", the authors attempt to outline what Mariology is from the Protestant perspective. The book also covers some of the well-known apparitions of Mary: Fatima, Lourdes, Guadelupe, and Medjugorje (former Yugoslavia). The main thesis is that veneration of Mary is unbiblical, and therefore this practice will continue to divide the Catholic and Protestant churches. The authors back up their opinions with Biblical verses, and make a good point about how the veneration of Mary sometimes invalidates the role Jesus plays for Christianity: the redeemer and mediator between God and Man. The examination of apparitions of Mary is not as strong, and in the last chapter, the point is made repetitively that the apparitions cannot be from God, therefore they must be from the other side. I will say that although the authors claim to look at this purely from the scriptural side, and therefore with a certain degree of 'objectivity', there are moments when it is obvious that no matter what is 'discovered' (for example: one of the authors visits Medjugorje and examines events there), if it ain't Protestant, it ain't acceptable. I also thought it interesting that some side notes in the text, such as on Buddha being an atheist (according to "some scholars" as the book puts it) detract from what was supposed to be the aforementioned focus on Mariology. I thought this book interesting for the most part.

Rating:
Summary: Keep up the good work!
Review: The authors present a very convincing case proving that Catholic veneration of Mary is not Biblical. Part one of the book is a survey of Catholic Mariology, which includes chapters on Mary's immaculate conception (according to Catholic doctrine Mary was born without original sin), and her bodily assumption into Heaven. These doctrines are then effectively contrasted to Scripture passages presenting biblical truths which disprove them. Part two is a fascinating discussion of the apparitions (ghostly appearances)of Mary that have become increasingly common in the last two centuries. One author traveled to the site of one such appearance and interviewed those involved. An interesting read that gives an Evangelical response to a controversial topic.

Rating:
Summary: good overall book
Review: This book, as accusative as it may seem, is, overall, a good book. If it is devisive or considered 'in-fighting' to proclaim truth, then so be it, for truth's sake. The author points out what is obvious to the majority of protestant Christians (and several non-Christian religious groups as well, i.e. Islam). When Mary, Jesus's earthly mother, is venerated, prayed to, and worshipped, she becomes the unwilling central figure of a blasphemous cult. Human beings are not deity. The author makes this clear. Only God should be prayed to.

Rating:
Summary: an honest approach towards objectivity
Review: This book, unlike many other Protestant attempts to understand and explain Mariology, is honest in its intentions, and probably as objective as any evangelical protestant can be.

The first part of the book explains the development of Mary in her role in the Church and the life of the believer from 'lowly handmaiden' to 'Queen of Heaven'. The authors attribute the revival of Mariolotry to Pope John Paul II.

Part II explains the apparitions of Mary in Yugoslavia and how the witnesses to the events are not all in agreement.

I give this book 4 stars. First, it is an interesting read. Second, the authors do their best to show how Catholics have overemphasized Mary, while Protestants have neglected giving her the role that Scriptures have "The most blessed woman."

Rating:
Summary: Tis book is extremely biased.
Review: This is a typical protestant approach, I am episcopalean who knows better that catholics unless they are from a third world background know better when praying. If they pray they are only asking for intersession, they assume mary will ask God. I think protestnts and catholic should settle their differences, becuase theres gonna be much more things to worry about in the future, if people even go to church at all. Like some new theory will try to prove us believer wrong.We should stick together and encourage each other to be faithful, not push each other out of their religion. Theres more to go after other than catholics.