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Article: 'Coredemptrix' women's unwitting ally.(Pope John Paul II's plans to designate Mary 'coredemptrix')(Column)
- Article from:
- National Catholic Reporter
- Article date:
- August 15, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 National Catholic Reporter. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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You can't control Mariology. Catholic history is replete with the efforts of popes and theologians to manipulate Marian imagery only to have the strength of popular devotion bring about unintended consequences.
In the 5th century, for example, the title Theotokos or "Bearer of God" was given to Mary to address challenges to the dual nature of Christ. Church leaders wanted to use Mary for some other theological purpose. The faithful, however, used the proclamation to confirm their own beliefs about Mary. "Bearer of God" was transformed into the popular "Mother of God."
Now, it is said, Pope John Paul II may wish to cap off his reign by naming Mary ...