God obviously valued her heart as he chose her out of anyone to bear his son but that does not make her supernatural in any way. She died like anyone else. I think you have sadly missed the point if you continue to pay tribute to someone dead.

... haha, demonic Mary. : Pictures it in mind : Okay, maybe your friend has an issue against catholics or branches of catholicism.. . because focusing on Mary doesn't mean you will become demon possessed.

Now, I personally am Not catholic, and go to churches that don't have any statues of Mary (or even Jesus... though we do have a small quilt upfront that has a cross on it) The fear is, that instead of focusing on God/Jesus/Holy Spirit him/itself, you'll be focusing on the earthly interpretation of it. That's why statues of Mary and Jesus are a bit worrisome for me, as some may focuse more on that then on Jesus himself.

You DO have to believe in God/Jesus/Holy Spirit... You have to believe that Jesus died for your sins, God created EVERYTHING and the holy spirit is around to help any way that it can (that's a rought description, go to a church to seek further explaination), but Mary was real... and idols of Mary aren't idols, but statues, or pictures. Next thing you could say is that my school picture is demonic as well. Mary was a real person... but I don't think that you should focus on her more than God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, because that means you are putting her in front of the real power, the person who died for your sins.

:)

Your friend is entirely right.

Icons/ and idols are not allowed according to the 2 commandment, and as Jesus said himself... "I did not come to change the Laws"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alternap18

she said you have to believe in god and jesus plus the holy spirit

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That is exactly right, the emphasis is on the triune God, not on any human no matter how saintly. By emphasising the veneration of the virgin and saints the RCC has divirted from the basic message of Jesus which is salvation only through him. God told us not to make images and bow down before them. This making of images is the introduction of pagan ritual into the Church. A patron saint for this, or that, how is that different from the pagan system of gods?