Catholic Answers Live #12568 Are Prayers to Mary Problematic? Miracles and Salvation - Tom Nash
Jan 30, 2026
Tom Nash, theologian and Catholic apologist who answers questions about doctrine and scripture. He tackles whether prayers to Mary count as veneration or worship. He explains how prophecy fits with free will. He outlines the Catholic view of salvation and holy day obligations. He discusses whether miracles break natural laws and addresses whether Mary had other children.
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Why Marian Language Isn’t Idolatry
- Catholics distinguish between veneration of Mary and worship of God, so exalted language for Mary is acceptable when properly understood.
- Mary and the saints intercede for us because they are united to Christ, not as replacements for Christ's unique mediation.
Read Marian Quotes In Context
- When encountering strong Marian language, read qualifiers clarifying Christ alone saves to avoid misunderstanding.
- Rely on both Jesus and Mary in prayer rather than treating appeals to Mary as substitutes for Christ.
Foreknowledge Doesn’t Destroy Free Will
- God's knowledge of future choices doesn't negate human free will because God sees all time at once.
- Predestination differs from foreknowledge; God knows choices without coercing them.
