Mary—Another Redeemer?

by James R. White

The New "Mary" Question Millions of petitioners from around the world are imploring Pope John Paul II to recognize the Virgin Mary as "Co-Redeemer" with Christ, elevating the topic of Roman Catholic views of Mary to national headlines and widespread discussion. Mary Another Redeemer? sidesteps hostile rhetoric and cites directly from Roman Catholic sources to explore this volatile topic. It traces how Mary of the Bible esteemed mother of the Lord, obedient servant and chosen vessel of God has become the Immaculately Conceived, Bodily Assumed Queen of Heaven, viewed as Co-Mediator with Christ and now recognized as Co-Redeemer by many in the Roman Catholic Church. Mary Another Redeemer ? is fresh insight into the woman the Bible calls "blessed among women," and an invitation to single-minded devotion to God's truth.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Catholic, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion

158 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

James White is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a professor, having taught Greek, Systematic Theology, and various topics in the field of apologetics. He has authored or contributed to more than twenty four books, including The King James Only Controversy, The Forgotten Trinity, The Potter’s Freedom, and The God Who Justifies. He is an accomplished debater, having engaged in more than one-hundred forty moderated, public debates around the world with leading proponents of Roman Catholicism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Mormonism, as well as critics such as Bart Ehrman, John Dominic Crossan, Marcus Borg, and John Shelby Spong. In recent years James has debated in such locations as Sydney, Australia, as well as mosques in Toronto, London, and South Africa. He is an elder of the Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church, has been married to Kelli for more than thirty two years, and has two children, and one grandchild, Clementine.

Reviews

[Jonathan Wortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read. From their own words, teachings, and practices. Demonstrates the horrific worship of mary. Who no doubt would be mortified if she were around today to witness.
Jesus alone is Mediator, Advocate, giver of Grace, Mercy.
We can always go to Him confidently in prayer without the help of any middle man (or woman).

[Travis Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book thoroughly demonstrates the gross errors that Papists hold regarding Mary.

[Jeff Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

There may be no one more qualified to critique Roman Catholic doctrine from a biblical perspective than James White, and his expertise and meticulous preparation are on full display in this work on the Catholic view of Mary as "co-redemptrix" with Christ. Note that this work is specifically focused upon the development of Rome's teaching about Mary, and not a critique of or polemic against Roman Catholicism as a whole; for that one should look elsewhere.

White begins by reviewing what the Bible says about Mary, showing that the New Testament (when permitted to speak for itself) presents a remarkable, humble, and godly young woman who even Protestants need not shy away from calling "blessed," but who nonetheless is herself in need of a Savior. He then turns to present what Roman Catholics teach about Mary. He reviews the Marian dogmas and how each builds on its predecessor. White goes out of his way to be scrupulously fair to those he is disagreeing with; he allows Roman sources to speak for themselves, quoting them at great length so that the reader can form his or her own understanding. Even more, he rejects the temptation to caricaturize Roman theology or score cheap points by attacking straw men; for instance, his explanation of how Rome views Mary as a "channel" of grace as opposed to a "source" needs to be remembered by Protestants seeking to fairly represent the other side, and he rightly rejects the assertion made by some that Mary is being officially elevated to godhood by Rome or that a "Quadernity" will replace the Trinity. He even grants that "Rome tries to safeguard the worship of God, at least on a definitional level," even though White argues that they have failed in this attempt.

White's critiques are simple yet incisive. He makes the point that it is Marian piety, rather than Scripture or tradition, that is advancing the cause of defining Marian dogmas. He observes that, despite Rome's protestations that Christ's uniqueness as a mediator is upheld in their theology, Jesus seems minimized or even ignored when Marian devotion is elevated, and provides examples. He notes that "Rome has attempted to create a mirror image of God Incarnate, Jesus Christ...an image that is supposed to be on a 'smaller scale,' but it is as close to an exact replica as can be made"; in support, he lists many alarming parallels Rome has drawn between Jesus and Mary--Jesus' virgin conception being echoed in Mary's alleged Immaculate Conception, Jesus' death on the cross being compared to Mary's grief at the foot of the Cross, and so on. White also points out a horrifying trend in Roman Marian devotion where Mary is described not only as the spouse of the Holy Spirit, but even as an "incarnation" of the Spirit. Most important of all, he dispenses with Rome's "latria/dulia" distinction and shows that Marian devotion in Catholicism is nothing less than idolatry.

This book needs to be read by Protestants and Catholics alike.

[Robbie Deacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mary - Another Redeemer?” is a strong critique of some trends in Roman Catholic Marian theology, specifically the relatively recent phenomena of describing her as co-mediatrix of ALL grace and co-redeemer. This book shares legitimate doctrinal concerns and is not just a fundamentalist anti-Rome apologetic.

I’m usually not a fan of James White, as he communicates in a way I find arrogant, but in this book he seems restrained and irenic. Large portions of the book are quotations of Roman Catholic magisterial documents, and White doesn’t have to do much to refute them as they speak for themselves. While RC apologists will often make convincing arguments for the 4 dogmatically defined Marian dogmas, the “Mary as co-redemptrix/mediatrix” stuff is indefensible. I’m generally accepting of a lot of Marian theology (doctrines like her perpetual virginity aren’t that concerning IMO) but the logic used by Catholics to defend the idea of her as a co-redeemer and mediatrix of all graces is really bad. It’s essentially “Mary had an essential role in the incarnation in bearing Jesus, therefore she plays an ongoing, present role in salvation for everybody.”

I also appreciate the number of papal quotations White includes. It’s easy to write off a lot of the Marian language as over the top medieval piety or fringe extremism, but the fact that most Popes in the last ~100 years have taught some or all of the more controversial Marian doctrines is damning. One can’t say that it’s “just an optional belief that some Catholics hold” about ideas that are commonly taught by the head of the Catholic Church. Belief in Mary as mediatrix of all graces might not be required in Roman Catholicism, but one would be an outlier if they rejected it.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book critiquing the Marian Dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church. The Author digs out original sources for the development of the Marian Veneration from various Papal Encyclicals and Doctors of the Catholic Church. Minor point: Slightly dated (with regards to the current papacy). An updated edition would be beneficial.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book using primary sources to show the development of the Marian doctrines, and why they are not biblical and undermine the role of Christ, as the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good.

[Pande · Rating 4 out of 5]

as with all of White's books, this is well researched and worth the time to read. If you want to know what the Roman Catholic Church teaches about Mary, this is a good book.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among Protestants, and Reformed Protestants at that, I would say that unless I am being particularly chauvinistic or combative I am largely open to ecumenical dialogues between ourselves and our separated brethren, the other half of the Latin Church, the Roman Catholics. While I believe that a lot of their theology is incorrect the core gospel is still there. Oftentimes, in spite of official church teaching.

I also understand the appeal of Catholicism for many as I myself considered converting in high school, even going through a sponsorship. However, it was the issue of Mary that ultimately kept me from crossing the Tiber (along with other issues,) but for teenage me it was the way Catholics spoke about and to Mary. As I have only gotten deeper into history and theology I have been more and more troubled by this and this book by James White does a good job at providing a helpful resource for Protestants and a good jumping off-point for Catholic apologists.

Now most people who know of James White would see that name and instantly be repelled. Which I can understand. He needs to get off twitter and focus solely on apolgetics which is his strong suit. Say what you will about his political ramblings and often unhinged behavior on twitter, the guy is a great apologist and I have found his work indispensable when dealing with Mormon, Jehovah Witness, and Muslim critics. Among intra-Christian debates he has also proven a capable writer and thinker when talking about KJV-Onlyism and Catholic-Protestant Debates. Because White is in his element this book is very strong.

The strength and partial weakness of this book is that White lets Catholics do most of the talking. The chapters of this book are largely made up of small and large quotes taken from official documents or thinkers of the church and what they say about Mary. Largely how they have aggrandized her from humble servant of God to "spouse of the Holy Spirit," to "Co-Mediator." White will add commentary in-between these quotes but usually only a few sentences at most. I love having the primary documents and White is meticulous in his sourcing, but I would have appreciated more of his commentary.

White saves his final chapter for rebuttal and he does a good job at letting the Catholic magisteria define the terms and then tearing them apart from a biblical and historical perspective. I actually was exposed to a lot of material I had never seen before which was very disheartening though I do not share White's pessimism about the future of the church. If Vatican II proved anything is that the Holy Spirit can break through stony hearts on some of these issues and we should pray for a day that the church's Reformation will have run its full course and the Latin Church can be united again.

I think that Protestant Christians of all stripes would get a lot from this book, and Catholics as well. Either to rebut White's claims or to use this as a way of continuing reform.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FAMED APOLOGIST FOCUSES HIS ATTENTION ON MARIAN DOCTRINES

James R. White is a justly famed Christian (Reformed Baptist) apologist, as well as the Director of "Alpha and Omega Ministries" in Arizona. He has written many other books, such as 'The Roman Catholic Controversy,' 'The Fatal Flaw,' 'Answers to Catholic Claims,' 'The Potter's Freedom,' 'Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views,' 'Is the Mormon My Brother?', etc.

He wrote in the first chapter of this 1998 book, "As a Protestant, you may wonder why you should invest the time and effort to understand a proposed Christian dogma that will not... impact you, since you don't accept the authority of the Roman Church. For those of you with family members in the Roman communion, the relevance becomes much more apparent... But for the person who believes the Bible and seeks to live in such a way as to honor God, issues of DOGMA cannot be so easily dismissed.

"Roman Catholicism says that these doctrines are not only PROBABLY true, they ARE true, beyond all question... Rome claims that these teachings are a part of the Christian faith, and if you don't embrace these doctrines, you don't have the fulness of the Christian faith... It is our intention to allow Rome to define her own beliefs... Church documents and Roman Catholic writers will provide the main positive presentation of the doctrines concerning Mary." (Pg. 16-17)

He states, "It is CHRIST'S offering of himself that redeems, Christ's sufferings that atone... there is nothing in the New Testament about loving Mary, but much about loving Christ... The Scriptures say that we are being conformed to the image of Christ, not to the image of Mary." (Pg. 68)

He argues, "there is the simple problem of the BASIS of mediation. Paul pointed this out in 2 Timothy 2:5-6, where in the second verse he speaks of WHY Christ is the only mediator, 'who gave Himself as a ransom for all.' Mary did not give herself as a ransom for anyone. She COULDN'T do so, since she herself had to be ransomed by another! The reason that Christ is the ONLY mediator is that He is the only one with a GROUND of mediation." (Pg. 140)

White's specific attention to Marian doctrines makes this a useful supplement to his other critiques of Catholic doctrine.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

James White always writes in a way that offers great clarity in sacrifice to artistic grandeur in his writing. In that sense, his writing is very utilitarian, but with the end goal being the accessibility of his work. He succeeds in that goal once again, drawing out the history and development of Marian dogmas and doctrine, giving hundreds of quotations showing Mary elevated to the status of god in every respectable way (omnipotence, ability to predestine events, omnipresence, etc.). I think the shining arrow of White's polemic was given in this quote:
"Here the Pope insists that Mary’s mediation does not compromise Christ’s uniqueness since it is but a “sharing,” not a usurpation. Yet, one is forced to wonder if such a defense would have worked with someone who wished to give a lesser form of worship to Baal in the Old Testament. Would the argument have held? “Oh, Baal’s existence and ministry is but a sharing in, and a cooperation with, that of Yahweh. I’m in no way compromising the unique worship of the Lord by giving a lesser form of worship to Baal, nor in seeking his good will, since he exists only as he is allowed to by God.” All the flowery language and redefinition of terms cannot change the fact that what belongs to God alone is being given to someone other than God."

I ask, what fellowship has darkness with light? How can we hold out our hands to an institution that has not only allowed, but dogmatized gross idolatry and blasphemy, trying to cover up their gross iniquity with a made-up distinction of dulia and latria to satisfy the guilty conscience? Rome is not simply in error, it is a perverse corrupter of the true worship and glory of God. It so corrupt as to cease being a church of Christ at all. What else can be said of an organization that compels overt disobedience to the second commandment under threat of damnation? While many of Rome's other false doctrines may be more easily obscured, this is one that is so prominent that it ought to make the total antitheses of biblical religion and this developed abomination crystal clear.

[Eugene W. Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balanced View on Mary

Dr. White is very good about letting others speak for themselves. Instead of just taking a stance, he quotes liberally from those whom he is writing about. No one can say he is.misinterpreting their stance, as he lets them make their own statements. He thoroughly researches history and accounts for changes to beliefs over time. Finally, he compares what someone says, versus what the inspired Word of God says. He will go back to original languages to ensure words are being used as the authors used them. This is a great help for those who do not speak Greek or Hebrew. A great read to give an understanding of Mary's God given blessed position, and differentiate that from some of the stories that have grown over time.

[David Arbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched, accurate presentation.

Dr. White does a great job identifying the Marian doctrines and allowing the authors speak for themselves. A clear biblical response follows. Unfortunately, the work needs some updating as much has happened in last 20 years or so. Many Marian doctrines gain traction with adherents from the testimonials of Marian apparitions which further compounds the issues for Catholics. Those who hold to the singular authority of the word of God will concur with Dr. White in his conclusions. I hope an updated edition or companion work addressing the apparitions doctrines follows.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. James R. White gives a very detailed and biblical refutation of Rome's Dogmatic teachings on Mary. This apologetic work shreds the Catholic Church and her reliance on tradition and skewed historical facts to show that a reliance on any other than Jesus Christ is not only unbiblical but a damnable heresy. This is a great book to help Christians understand the Catholic stance and would make a wonderful gift to a Catholic friend or co-worker to challenge what they have been taught and believe. East to read. Written for the laymen in mind.

[Imperator Zombie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a very low-level treatment of the issue, seeemly devoid of any attempt to engage the topic. Rather than dealing with the sources themselves, this is a compliation of all the anti-Mary arguments made over the last 500 years. If you have a street ministry, this might be a good guide as to what uninformed garbabe people believe, or are willling to believe, regarding Mary.

[retroGRAD3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear overview on the idolatry of the Papists. The Mary they have created is not the same woman as the one presented within the pages of Scripture.

[Greg Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the time

May Christ have preeminence in ALL THINGS. To Him alone be glory, honor and power.
There is no one His equal

[Leol Fetahanegest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, answers the asked question.

I am extremely satisfied with this book. Dr. White did an outstanding job accurately representing those he disagrees with and allowing them to speak for themselves by quoting excessively. I was not aware that the Marian teachings were this wild-eyed, totally astranged from Scripture. It seems to me that Romanism has developed into its own religion, with another redeemer.