"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." ~B. Franklin


Ms. Marek

Theology I/Theology II

Room 205 

tmarek@holyname.net



The following questions must be answered in no less than 5 sentences unless otherwise noted.  Your answers should be written on lined paper (or typed).  You may use your notes from class as well as outside research to help you.  This will count as a test grade and will be due at the start of class on Wednesday, May 27th.  Please email me with any questions.  Good luck!


1.  How can Catholics believe that Mary was conceived without Original Sin when Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God"? (Hint: use words, such as "Immaculate Conception", "New Eve", "Panagia" in your answer). 

2.  Why do Catholics call Mary the "Mother of God"?  How could God have a mother? (Hint:  use words, such as "Theotokos", "Nestorianism" in your answer).

3.  Do Catholics worship Mary?  Why do Catholics pray to Mary when we could go directly to God?

4.  If the New Testament speaks of the brothers and sisters of Jesus, why do Catholics believe that Mary remained ever-virgin?  (Hint: use words, such as "perpetual virginity", "Annunciation", and "proto-evangelium of James" in your answer).  *7 sentences

5.  If Mary is strictly human, why do Catholics have a greater devotion to Mary than any other saint?

6.  Explain why Mary was "greatly troubled" by Gabriel's greeting in Luke 1:29. What happens when she visits Elizabeth, and what is her reaction to Elizabeth's words?

7.  What is Mary's reaction to Jesus being lost in the Temple (Luke 2: 41-52)?  What does this tell us about her character and about her role in salvation?

8.  Reread John 2:13-22, the Wedding at Cana.   Why does Jesus refer to His mother as "woman"?  What does this tell us about Mary's role in His public ministry?

9.  What is the Assumption of Mary, and why do Catholics believe in it?

10.  Read the following article (don't worry, it's short.)  http://catholicexchange.com/5-facts-to-ignore-before-accusing-catholics-of-mary-worship  Using this article and what you know about Mary from class, refute the claim that Mary is not as important as Catholics make her out to be.  *15 sentences