Is Devotion to Mary a Modern Invention?
Protestants who are critical of Catholicism typically represent devotion to Mary as a modern invention. However, it appeared quite early in church history. I will give a couple of examples to demonstrate this. There is an early writing called the Protoevangelium of James which was written about 150 A.D. and is subtitled The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of Mary who was dedicated by her parents to lifelong service as a virgin in the temple: I will bring it [the child Mary] as a gift to the Lord my God; and it shall minister to Him in holy things all the days of its life. (Para 4) Even the Bible itself contains a passage which sets the tone for Catholic devotion to Mary. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered…. And she brought forth