Why the devotion to Mary II

[Acumen]

Hey Deacon,

It's good so see ya over here.  We could use a few more good catholic posters on these parts.

As for the devotion to Mary, she has a unique place in salvation history. God chose her among all people to be his mother. Frankly, Catholics are impressed by this and we cannot understand why other Christians, except the Orthodox, are not. She had a unique relationship with Jesus.

I'm impressed too.  She certainly played a unique role in the salvation process by birthing and raising our Lord, however I don't see the whole reasoning behind immaculate conception or the fuss with praying or requesting her favors as opposed to anyone else for that matter.

[WorldWarrior]

Doesn't a lot of this depend on how one defines "dead"?

[deacon777]

Acumen

Thanks - it is good to be here, as the barbarians are storming the gates over on that "other" board.

I will agree with you that the Marian doctrines are sometimes incipherable to folks outside of catholicism/orthodoxy. IMO, how one views this is not necessary for salvation.  A lot of very holy and devout people have a very strong devotion to Mary. I don't own that devotion personally, although I accept the doctrines.

The issue for some is why did the teaching Church affirm these beliefs (ancient beliefs btw) to doctrinal status. Part of it is the longstanding belief among the ordinary faithful over a long period of time, especially in the eastern churches. The other part is that the pope at the time was absolutely certain he was discerning a revealed truth.

[Acumen]

Thanks - it is good to be here, as the barbarians are storming the gates over on that "other" board.

Barbarians?  Let them storm.  The "other' board is a lost cause.  This forum, however, has many of the brightest posters around.   

[Acumen]

Incidentally, did you get a chance to preview the new article, written by Elluminati's priest, on the homepage?