PASTOR CHRIS AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
l wanna commend Pastor Chris for his evangelical works and mission as he communicates the message of Christ to his audience, and how he is able to adjusts the minds of people towards a high optimistic tendencies and giving them a new orientation to life. On the issue of intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, l think this has to do with an in-depth Mariological studies with exegetical analysis in reference to Scripture and Tradition. Obviously as a Pentecostal Pastor such issue will not appeal to Pastor Chris. l am also aware of his orientation and that will make him to become full of prejudice and biases. I understand such prejudices and wish one day Pastor Chris will open his mind to scholarly presentation of Mariological studies with a deep knowledge in New Testament Greek so as to have the hermeneutic key to understand the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Economy of Salvation. Another point the Man of God should also research on is an in-depth studies on Christology, which l know will be helpful to his ministry as pastor. He should be familiar with the Councils in Church History which every Teacher of the Word should know so as to be able to understand the historical process of Christology in relation to contemporary understanding of Christology. To have a better understanding of Mariology, it has to be predicated on a sound Christology. This two wings will equip the Man of God in his ministry. There are three levels of intercession; The Latria, The Dulia, and the Hyper Dulia. Jesus Christ is the Supreme Intercessor for all Humanity and this explains the Latria. The Hyper Dulia is accredited to the Blessed virgin Mary as one exceptionally privileged by God in the name of Jesus Christ whom she bore for us Humanity and makes her share in the intercessory role for us. This would not have been without Christ Jesus our redeemer. The Hyper Dulia is for the saints who have gone before us mark with the sign of faith who participate in the beatific vision with full vision of the Almighty God for the life they live here on earth. This is what l call the hierarchy of intercessions of which Christ is the Supreme.
Let me begin to introduce the Man of God to Christological lnculturation in contemporary African Theological studies in relation to our understanding of intercession. What are the role of our ancestors in our culture? Who are our ancestors? When we translate such understanding in the light of faith then the message of Christ will have a deeper meaning in us. Christ is our Supreme Ancestor Par Excellence and a Model for all Ancestors. l will therefore agree with the above quotation from the scripture 1 Timothy 2 v 5 seeing Christ as the only absolute way to intercede to God. This does not in anyway reduces the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercessory role for us. When the Angel visited the Blessed Virgin Mary, he said, “Hail Mary full of grace” The word “full” connote a perfect state grace in her as one favored by God. No one else can confirm this favor upon a person except God. God willed it, He did it and He can do it. For nothing is impossible with God. This should not really been an issue among Christians for this is a matter of faith and believe. l just wonder why this should be coming up in your ministry as a controversy. Please try to respect other people"s believes and faith doctrine for it will not affect yours.
l therefore leave this comment with the words of the Angel to Joseph saying, ” do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, for she has been conceived in her that which is by the power of the Holy Spirit”. This is a meeting point for all Christians, Jesus Christ and that is important for every Christian, for the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the saints. Further studies in Ecumenical Theology will be a guide to Pastor Chris.
Posted: at 17-11-2009 11:01 AM (14 years ago) | Newbie |
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