So why do Catholics call Mary the “Queen of Heaven”? Isn’t that idolatry too? Some ancient Israelites even committed idolatry by offering sacrifice to her-and got quite a tongue-lashing from the prophet Jeremiah as a result! (See Jeremiah 7:17-18.) It’s true that the Old Testament says the “queen of heaven” was the name of a pagan goddess. Read a q-and-a on the book here: Read more: If you want to love Mary more, find her in the Old Testament (this book will guide you)ĭon’t get me wrong. But as I show in my book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, that’s not what the Bible says.

That’s what lots of people today believe. Why do Catholics do this? Why make so much of Mary? After all, wasn’t she just an ordinary Jewish woman? Many even refer to Mary as “the Queen of Heaven.” Though Mary lived 2,000 years ago, millions honor her and ask for her prayers daily.

On November 1, Christians worldwide are celebrating All Saints Day.įor Catholics, the Virgin Mary is considered the greatest of all saints. He currently lives in Gray, Louisiana, with his wife Elizabeth, and their five children.If we look at Mary through ancient Jewish eyes, we understand why she's Catholics' favorite intercessor. He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. Pitre is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker who lectures regularly across the United States. He is the author of several articles and the books Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005) Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (Image Books, 2011) and Jesus the Bridegroom (Image Books, 2014). in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Brant pitre jewish roots of mary