Was Mary the MOST blesseded of all except Christ?

[Klee shay]

Jesus said that in heaven the last shall be first and the first shall be last.

 

[Merry Menagerie]

As far as I'm aware only God and Jesus are in heaven. Everyone else is asleep and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ when they will be raised up. I will honor who God puts it on my heart to honor.

 

[Theophilus]

As far as I'm aware only God and Jesus are in heaven.

Revelation 4:2-4 & 9-11
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “ You are worthy, O Lord,

There is a few more people there with him.

Everyone else is asleep and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ when they will be raised up. I will honor who God puts it on my heart to honor.

John 11:26
26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?â€Â

Hebrews 12:1
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Read the end of chap. 11 for the context

 

[thessalonian]

So lets all bow down and worship her shall we? Not! Sorry no can do...I only have eyes for Christ.

Why do you judge theophilus as bowing down and worshipping her? Do you know his heart? Do you know the hearts of those you see doing such things. The Elders of Israel bowed down before the Ark of the Covenant in Josh 7. Were they worshipping the Ark? No. But if bowing down is always worship of what is bowed down before then you would have judged them wrongly. God is the judge and he judged their hearts to be pure and granted them victory in battle the next day. Solomon bowed down before Bethsheeba. Does this mean that he was worshipping her? The Bible gives no such indication. Isaac proclaims that nations would bow down before Jacob, by prophecy through the Holy Spirit. So was Issac saying that nations would worship Jacob just because they bowed before him. There is no indication of that in the text. We in America have a serious lack of understanding of the Hebrew culture and the honor given to kings.

The knowledge that we are all one in Christ Jesus and that no one is better than anyone.

Some are more blessed. Some do in fact deserve greater honor. Some recieve greater share of the reward.

1 Tim 5
17: Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching;

You can ignore this all you want but it is quite Biblical. God can choose to bless one over another. Give one more grace over another. The one who has sinned more gravely according to Luke 7 and is forgiven of more loves more. That love comes from God and so he is more blessed with the grace that prompts love of God. We do not all love God and others equally. Love is from God, therefore it is a blessing. If it is not from God, therefore if one is more loving and another less, God has blessed one more than the other. This does no mean that one is not blessed. There were three men given 1, 2, and 5 talents. Were any of them not blessed. Yet the one who had five produced 5 and was blessed with greater things. The one with two doudled his blessing and likewise. The one who had one apparently did not recognize the great blessing it was and buried it in the ground. He had no reward.

 

[Merry Menagerie]

As far as I'm aware only God and Jesus are in heaven.

Revelation 4:2-4 & 9-11
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “ You are worthy, O Lord,

There is a few more people there with him.

[quote="Merry Menagerie":c631d]
Everyone else is asleep and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ when they will be raised up. I will honor who God puts it on my heart to honor.

John 11:26
26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?â€Â

Hebrews 12:1
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Read the end of chap. 11 for the context[/quote:c631d]

Friend, Revelation is prophecy - meaning it hasn't happened yet. And I didn't say THEY DIE. I said that they are asleep in Christ. When Jesus returns they will be raised up.

 

[Merry Menagerie]

Why do you judge theophilus as bowing down and worshipping her? Do you know his heart?

I actually didn't.

 

[Theophilus]

Friend, Revelation is prophecy - meaning it hasn't happened yet.

Revelation was a prophecy, but this is not the discussion at hand.
Read the context:
Revelation 4:2-4 & 9-11
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

Do you think God is not yet on the throne? Then why would the elders and living creatures not be there?

And I didn't say THEY DIE. I said that they are asleep in Christ. When Jesus returns they will be raised up.

What about the cloud of witnesses?
Soul sleep is an issue we could call a denominational tradition.
If we sleep until the resurrection, between now and then how are we rewarded differently than an unbeliever?

Why do you judge theophilus as bowing down and worshipping her? Do you know his heart?

I actually didn't.

It actually sounded like you did, but i take no offence.
No one can not tell another person what motivates his actions. Only that person knows why he does it. You think my actions are motivated by worship. I assure you that they are not. I can bow to a japanese person as a form of greeting, i can bow to a priest when he blesses me, can anyone tell the difference looking from the outside?

 

[Merry Menagerie]

No one can not tell another person what motivates his actions.

That's exactly right.

Again I believe that Revelation is prophecy. And the fact that when we die we sleep is not a protestant theology (again with the comparing..sheesh!!)

Behold, I shew you a mystery; WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, but we shall all be changed.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, AND THE DEAD shall e raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal MUST put on immortality.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptions and this mortal shall have put on immortality, THEN shall be brought to pass the saying that is written DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.

O death, where is they sting? O grave, where is they victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Cor 15 v 51 - 57

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concering them WHICH ARE ASLEEP, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which are alive adn remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them WHICH ARE ASLEEP.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch angel, and with the trump of God: AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.

1Thess 4 v 13 - 18

 

[thessalonian]

Why do you judge theophilus as bowing down and worshipping her? Do you know his heart?

I actually didn't.

Sure could have fooled me.
Eiither you did or your comment comes across as condescending and sarcastic. Why on earth would you make such an accusatory comment toward a fellow Christian. YES you implied that he thinks it's okay to WORSHIP mary or that you think he is in favor of such a thing or your comment makes no sense in context of your response to his post. Let's look at it.

So lets all bow down and worship her shall we? Not! Sorry no can do...I only have eyes for Christ.

Where does he say anything about bowing down and worshipping her? Why would you make such a comment unless you think he does. Yet you make this remark IN RESPONSE to his post. Now answer my question about whether bowing before anything is always bad.

Thanks

 

[Heidi]

In answer to the OP; Mary was not born of God but of two human beings and so was John the Baptist. Yet he knew who Christ was long before Mary did! Jesus said;

"I tell you the truth, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." There you have it from Christ's own mouth. He tells us who is great, not the catholics. Jesus specifically names John the Baptist as being the greatest man born of humans, not his mother. And since the catholics do not believe that Mary is the least in the kingdom of heaven, then she cannot be greater than John the Baptist according to Christ.

 

[Orthodoxy]

StoveBolts,


You love to whisper don't you?

StoveBolts, what are you whining about now? Why cant you answer a question without personal attacks eh?

So subtle, but so clear to those that see through the darkness. So tell me, When I visit your orthodox church, will I be greeted with whispers?

No. But you would not know because your to arrogant to visit one. It is not "my orthodox church". Jesus owns His Church and allows me to enter. Stop with the condesending attacks, child.

As a disclaimer, let me say before my words get distorted. Mary is blessed above all women. Mary demands her due respect. That being said,

Your the man.

1. Are there those among your orthodox brothers and sisters that worship Mary?

No, but your loaded question cannot be properly answered since I dont know each and every orthodox christian on the planet. The Orthodox Church does not worship Mary we honor her as the Mother of our God.

2. Have you ever prayed to Mary longer than you prayed to the Father?

No. I dont "pray to Mary" I ask for her prayers just like you would ask a friend to pray for you. Maybe you are a hypocrite or you never have prayed for anyone or asked anyone for their prayers. I believe your just a plain hypocrite, but that is my personal opine of those that bash and insult the "mother of my Lord".

3. Have you ever put more faith in Mary than the Father?

No. my faith is in the "fulness of Him (Jesus Christ)". Look it up in Ephesians. You have a bible right?

4. Why does the Catholic literature regarding Mary highlight that the name Mary needs to be mentioned with the name Jesus and not alone?

This is not a yes or no question. It is quite obvious the roman duping of your mind is complete since you continue to insist the "catholics" are "orthodox". What "catholic" literature have you read on MAry that is not "Roman Catholic"? Have you ever bothered to read orthodox literature on Mary? I doubt it. Thus your ignorance and arrogance is shining forth like a beacon before men.

I will answer your uninformed question by saying Mary is always seen introducing and presenting her Son, Jesus Christ, to the world. Do you have a problem with Mary introducing people to Jesus Christ or do you want that glory for your own self?

Orthodoxy

 

[Orthodoxy]

Orthodox Christian,

My dear brother writes,

Every Hebrew child would know from memory who the prophets and heroes of faith were, yet there is nearly no adult in modern churches who knows who Athanasius was, or who the martyrs of Sebaste were, or what Saint Patrick really did, or how out fathers and mothers struggled against Islam at peril of their lives.

Not to mention the 600 Russian orthodox bishops that gave their lives under Stalins rule. Not to mention the 200,000 orthodox priests that gave thier lives in Martyrdom for the Christian faith under stalins iron fist. Not to mention the millions of martyrs for the Christian faith murdered under Stalins murderous rule.

And american rebels and heathen "christian" claim they are martyrs when someone not of thier uninformed mindset disagrees with them! O the martyrs of the protestant faith, what great christian "saints" indeed!

In Christ,

Kyril

 

[Solo]

In answer to the OP; Mary was not born of God but of two human beings and so was John the Baptist. Yet he knew who Christ was long before Mary did! Jesus said;

"I tell you the truth, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." There you have it from Christ's own mouth. He tells us who is great, not the catholics. Jesus specifically names John the Baptist as being the greatest man born of humans, not his mother. And since the catholics do not believe that Mary is the least in the kingdom of heaven, then she cannot be greater than John the Baptist according to Christ.

I guess you just set us up for the ortho bunch and the rcc to begin John the Baptist worship now!

 

[Orthodox Christian]

In answer to the OP; Mary was not born of God but of two human beings and so was John the Baptist. Yet he knew who Christ was long before Mary did! Jesus said;

"I tell you the truth, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." There you have it from Christ's own mouth. He tells us who is great, not the catholics. Jesus specifically names John the Baptist as being the greatest man born of humans, not his mother. And since the catholics do not believe that Mary is the least in the kingdom of heaven, then she cannot be greater than John the Baptist according to Christ.

I guess you just set us up for the ortho bunch and the rcc to begin John the Baptist worship now!

Why yes, of course, for we had never read that part about John the Baptist being so important. Thanks to you bible people, we now have someone else to worship! Hooray!!

If you have nothing good to say, it is good to say nothing.

Now, how it really is:
John the Forerunner is one of the most revered Saints in the Church. Like Mary, he holds a place of special regard in the Church, as do all of the pioneers of the faith. They hold this place because they are luminaries, lights of the Light, and we follow them as they followed Christ.

Factual correction:
What Jesus said is not that John was the greatest, but rather, than none had arisen who were greater. That leaves room for a whole lot of peers, now doesn't it.

Mary is not beloved for being 'the greatest:' she is beloved for being the least, a "handmaiden." He-or she- that is least- shall be first.

 

[Remember]

Huh? I can't respond to this poll because my response isn't there. I would have picked "Mary was blessed" period.

Some have posted Biblical reference stating such. IE: (Luke 1:28 & 42) The first male and female people were blessed (Gen 5:2) Jael was blessed (Judges 5:24) I see some have posted from the New Testament all who are blessed and they are blessed no less.

Was Mary most blessed next to Jesus? The Bible doesn't state that from what I've seen. Was she most blessed above all women? Again, no Biblical statement of such that I've seen. I am willing to be shown, though.

She and Joseph were good, practicing Jews and she and her betrothed were of the lineages predicted.

Luke 1:48, For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Either Mary and Luke are incorrect or the ones that will not bless Mary are not in the generations that belong to God.

I noticed this was briefly responded to(I haven't had a chance to read the whole thread yet) but this is important. The verse Luke 1:48 and the response by Orthodoxy are two completely different things. Mary is saying that all generations to come shall call her blessed. We say she was blessed because we were told in the Bible that she was blessed by God. Does that mean WE bless her? No. She was blessed and we acknowledge that fact. Mary is dead and gone of this world. We can no more bless her than we can bless Abraham Lincoln. (Just thought I would get that important thought out of the way)

Do I need to quote the scriptures that indicate this?

Yes, scripture should always be given. Pure scripture, and all scriptures involved, is the best way to answer, IMHO.

So, as is, I cannot partake of this poll because it does not contain my response :-?

 

[stovebolts]

CatholicXian,
Thank you for your kindness as well.

Orthodox Christian and friend, Sorry I have not put the effort forth to answer your response.

It is time for me to bow out of this conversation. It has been my experience, that the debate (for me anyway) is all down hill from here.

Jeff

 

[Remember]

John the Forerunner is one of the most revered Saints in the Church. Like Mary, he holds a place of special regard in the Church, as do all of the pioneers of the faith. They hold this place because they are luminaries, lights of the Light, and we follow them as they followed Christ.

All the saints (Christians) are revered by God.

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons :
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(the second bold is just an additional point not being spoken of in this thread)

Christ's church does not place any one or group of persons above another. We look to what was written, not necessarily the writer. Though we can learn from both, not set them on a pedistal (we are not supposed to do that as noted above and below in scriptures)

Col 1:24

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church :

All Christians are equal parts of His church.

Eph 4:11-12

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints , for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

They have their purpose but are still not above any other Christian in God's eyes.

1 Cor 3:4-7
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul ; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

We are being told not to praise, exhault them or to follow THEM. We are to follow Christ only.

1 Cor 1:12-13

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul ; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul ?

one of the most revered Saints in the Church

I'm sorry, but this does not sound like Christ's church since God is no respecter of persons (as previously noted).

The scriptures has much more to say. This is just a pinch.

 

[Orthodox Christian]

John the Forerunner is one of the most revered Saints in the Church. Like Mary, he holds a place of special regard in the Church, as do all of the pioneers of the faith. They hold this place because they are luminaries, lights of the Light, and we follow them as they followed Christ.

All the saints (Christians) are revered by God.

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons :
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(the second bold is just an additional point not being spoken of in this thread)

Christ's church does not place any one or group of persons above another. We look to what was written, not necessarily the writer. Though we can learn from both, not set them on a pedistal (we are not supposed to do that as noted above and below in scriptures)

Col 1:24

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church :

All Christians are equal parts of His church.

Eph 4:11-12

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints , for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

They have their purpose but are still not above any other Christian in God's eyes.

1 Cor 3:4-7
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul ; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

We are being told not to praise, exhault them or to follow THEM. We are to follow Christ only.

1 Cor 1:12-13

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul ; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul ?

[quote:0daec]one of the most revered Saints in the Church

I'm sorry, but this does not sound like Christ's church since God is no respecter of persons (as previously noted).

The scriptures has much more to say. This is just a pinch.[/quote:0daec]

Oh, indeed the scriptures have plenty to say on the matter:
The epistle to the Hebrews

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth

You will note my bold.

Revelation Chapter 3

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Shall we continue? Let's...
Romans 9

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

No need to underline there.

More? By all means...
Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

But we're all one happy little egalitarian family, right?

Now let's deal with your botched interpretation of those passages:
1. 'No respector of persons'- this is as close as you get to making a legitimate point- because it's really quite true that the most righteous and heroic in our world is a scum-sucking pig compared to Christ. And, because in Him we live and move and have our being, we are all brothers and equal in one sense.

But that is not what Peter was saying: Peter is saying that being born a Jew or a Gentile is nothing- wat matters is what one does- "come to repentance."
2. "All Christians are equal parts of His Church." This is your synopsis of Col 1:24, which simply states that all Christians are a part of His Body. Your insertion of the word 'equal' is dubious.
Remember: All men are created equal, but not all finish that way. I shall not pay equal honor to the man who starved to feed his family during the Nazi occupation as I do to the man who eats his fill while chasing away thoughts of his hungry neighbors

3.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul ; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul ?

Here Paul is saying that none should be divided over the great men. I of Luther, I of Calvin, I of Moody. Jesus Himself says that the woman who poured out the nard on His feet would be remembered for all time. The scriptures themselves are a memorial to the victories and failures of the people of God.

One of the reasons Americans are hated 'round the world is because we walk around proclaiming with word and deed how we're every bit as important as the next guy, every bit as worthy of respect- yet we give little or none. Your post is smeared in American self-worth.

 

[Heidi]

I remember the woman who kissed Christ's feet and it wasn't Mary! But no one has yet to erect a statue in her honor. Does the bible say that we are supposed to do that to people? :o

 

[Remember]

Orthodox Christian wrote:

Oh, indeed the scriptures have plenty to say on the matter:
The epistle to the Hebrews
[quote:97c95]And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth

You will note my bold.[/quote:97c95]

Interesting, you choose to leave out the very important next verses

Heb 11:39-40

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

And Christians have suffered since and they still are suffering for Christ's cause. Some more, some less then Mary or John. Yes, we have reminders of whence we came. This is a good thing.

Your post is smeared in American self-worth.

I'm sorry you find the need to attempt to belittle me.
My worth is little save what God sees in me. My post was full of God's word. I'm sorry you found no appreciation for that.

If you don't mind, when you quote, please note the book and verse of the text you are quoting. Some of us are weaker in skill and less quick to recall. It would be appreciated. (I will address each of your sections as I can)

Heidi

I remember the woman who kissed Christ's feet and it wasn't Mary! But no one has yet to erect a statue in her honor. Does the bible say that we are supposed to do that to people?

No, we are not. It is known as idolatry. This is a fabulous story and speaks of it. There were so many gods in this town, these people constantly prayed to them in between discussing which one was more important, not wanting to miss any:

Acts 17:16-30

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry .
17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Statues of Mary and anyone/anything else that are prayed to are graven images of man's device in idolatry. As verse 30 says, God now commands repentence of this sin and all others. The next few verses note that some believed and followed and other's didn't. The whole Bible shows history of idolatry and some of it's outcomes. We are not supposed to idolize.