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Mother of God, Calling Mary the

Calling Mary the Mother of God

Q: Do we really have to call Mary Mother of God? Isn't it correct just to call her mother of Jesus?

A:  The expression, Mother of God, may hurt and seem preposterous. It is, if by using this expression we make of Mary a super-goddess or the creator of God.

Mary is an exceptionally graced creature, not a goddess. God wanted her to be the mother of his son according to his humanity. She does not form in her womb his divine nature. This is pre-existent and comes into her womb with the power of the Spirit to coalesce in the god-human person of Jesus Christ.

To call Mary the Mother of Jesus may be correct if by saying so we do not want to reduce Jesus to a mere human being and strip him of his divine origin and nature.

To avoid linguistic difficulties official documents based on long standing words carry meanings which are not always explicit and co-extensive with their word-carriers. They need explanation. In this case, both Mother of God and Mother of Jesus need explanation.

All About Mary includes a variety of content, much of which reflects the expertise, interpretations and opinions of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Marian Library or the University of Dayton. Please share feedback or suggestions with marianlibrary@udayton.edu.

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