Richard Hollerman

Just today, I noticed a large image of Mary in the back yard of a dear neighbor whom I know. She, like others, surely realize that it is wrong to bow down to and pray to and “idolize” such an image or statue.

Of course, we know that this homage is forbidden by God in such passages as Exodus 20:4-6 and also Deuteronomy 5:7-10, as well as many other passages. Even the new covenant writings would say the same, John says, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

But what is an “idol” we may ask? It has been defined as: “an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.” Although we know that our religious friends would not say that their use of statues would be an idol and would not be an “object of worship,” we know that this is just what is done in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. They have made statues of Mary, of Joseph, of the Catholic “saints,” and other like venerated images into objects of worship.

It would be good for us to remember that Mary (or “Miriam”) is no longer a virgin. She was married (or had sex) with Joseph (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 2:4-7) and had at least four sons (besides Jesus) and at least two daughters (although there may have been more). (See such passages as Mark 6:3-4; Luke 4:22; John 6:42.) See especially see such passages as Matthew 13:55-56; 12:46; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; 7:3, 5, 10; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:17). Acts 1 is the last chapter where Mary is mentioned in the Bible! We realize that some of the latter writers before Christ did claim that Mary was a virgin, but (of course) this is false doctrine. It was thought that Jesus’ “brothers” and “sisters” were not siblings but either His cousins or step-brothers and step-sisters from a supposed marriage of Joseph.

Not only did Jesus have siblings, and Mary was not a perpetual “virgin,” but it is utterly wrong (and sinful) to claim this lie. It is wrong for anyone to bow down to a statue (or image) of her—as well as dozens or even hundreds of other statues. Even though it was done several centuries after Jesus, it was definitely sinful and wrong.

Scripture points out that we must not have an image or idol of any kind! As Jesus Himself warned, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve Him only” (Matthew 4:10) and not any image, effigy, or statue. Even if 1.3 billion Catholics may use this sort of image and 300 Eastern Orthodox may do the same, still it is wrong. Regardless of the number of people who practice this sin, we know that God says that this is wrong—utterly wrong!