Who is the 'Queen of Heaven', and what do Catholics believe?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  CabinetMaker quote:  "No, the Pope never said those words. He did say:

35. But the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation. "What more joyful, what sweeter thought can we have"--as Our Predecessor of happy memory, Pius XI wrote --"than that Christ is our King not only by natural right, but also by an acquired right: that which He won by the redemption? Would that all men, now forgetful of how much we cost Our Savior, might recall to mind the words, 'You were redeemed, not with gold or silver which perishes, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb spotless and undefiled.[43] We belong not to ourselves now, since Christ has bought us 'at a great price'."[44]/[45]

For which no scriptural support is offered. He then says this:

37. For "just as Christ, because He redeemed us, is our Lord and king by a special title, so the Blessed Virgin also (is our queen), on account of the unique manner in which she assisted in our redemption, by giving of her own substance, by freely offering Him for us, by her singular desire and petition for, and active interest in, our salvation."[48]

The only support offered for this statement is [48]F. Suarez, De mysteriis vitae Christi, disp. XXII, sect. 11 (ed Vives, XIX, 327).

God sent Jesus to atone for our sins. Mary did not offer Him, Jesus offered Himself.

38. From these considerations, the proof develops on these lines: if Mary, in taking an active part in the work of salvation, was, by God's design, associated with Jesus Christ, the source of salvation itself, in a manner comparable to that in which Eve was associated with Adam, the source of death, so that it may be stated that the work of our salvation was accomplished by a kind of "recapitulation,"[49] in which a virgin was instrumental in the salvation of the human race, just as a virgin had been closely associated with its death; if, moreover, it can likewise be stated that this glorious Lady had been chosen Mother of Christ "in order that she might become a partner in the redemption of the human race";[50] and if, in truth, "it was she who, free of the stain of actual and original sin, and ever most closely bound to her Son, on Golgotha offered that Son to the Eternal Father together with the complete sacrifice of her maternal rights and maternal love, like a new Eve, for all the sons of Adam, stained as they were by his lamentable fall,"[51] then it may be legitimately concluded that as Christ, the new Adam, must be called a King not merely because He is Son of God, but also because He is our Redeemer, so, analogously, the Most Blessed Virgin is queen not only because she is Mother of God, but also because, as the new Eve, she was associated with the new Adam.

This one is just interesting. No biblical support is offered to support that Eve was a virgin at the time of the apple incident. There is no compelling reason to think that she was. Why would she be?"

"The biblical content on this subject has already been posted on this thread (guess you missed it)..."

Salvation is by Christ (Isa 63:9; Eph 5:23) and Christ alone (Isa 45:21,22; 59:16; Ac 4:12), not Mary. The Lord offered himself freely for us (Is. 53:4–6; 1 Pet. 2:24).

Why do you pray to Mary? De 4:19; 17:3.  Do you believe that she can hear you? Lk 16:26

Mary can't save you (Isa 45:20).

Worship is to be rendered to God only ( Ex. 20:3; Deut. 5:7; 6:13; Matt. 4:10; Luke 4:8; Acts 10:26; 14:15; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8).

Idolatry is an abomination to God (Deut 7:25, 1 Pe 4:3).

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "Jesus wills that we take part in His sufferings (burdens) (Col 1:24), it is not His burden alone (according to His will). Mary took the greatest part of the burden (at the foot of the cross) as well as the other burdens and sorrows she experienced for the sake of our salvation."

"Col 1:24 my sufferings. Paul’s present imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30; see Introduction to Ephesians: Background and Setting). fill up … what is lacking. Paul was experiencing the persecution intended for Christ. In spite of His death on the cross, Christ’s enemies had not gotten their fill of inflicting injury on Him. So they turned their hatred on those who preached the gospel (cf. John 15:18, 24; 16:1–3). It was in that sense that Paul filled up what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions (see notes on 2 Cor. 1:5; Gal. 6:17). the sake of His body. Paul’s motivation for enduring suffering was to benefit and build Christ’s church. Cf. Phil. 1:13, 29, 30; see notes on 2 Cor. 4:8–15; 6:4–10; 11:23–28; 12:9, 10." MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Col 1:24

Mary can't do a thing for you (Judg 10:14; Isa 46:7). Believing that she can is irrational (Ac 17:29; Ro 1:21-23).

The Roman Catholic religion teaches lies (Hab 2:18). Idolatry is hateful to God (De 16:22; Jer 44:4). Idolaters do not go to heaven (1 Co 6:9,10; Eph 5:5; Re 22:15).

See:

A Scriptural Response to: Biblical Evidence or Catholics St. Joseph Communication

Ex 20:3

See:

No Altering Commandments

"Mary already has done many things for me and many others. It's more than belief. It's knowing through experience."

You have never communicated with Mary (Lk 16:26). Prayer to the dead or attempting to communicate with the dead is forbidden (Deut 18:11). Your religion is superstitious and idolatrous (2 Ti 2:18, Tit 3:9, Heb 13:9, Re 2:14, 15).

Deut. 4:28; 1 Kin. 18:27 Judg. 6:31; 1 Sam. 5:3, 4. 2 Chr. 25:15 1 Sam. 12:21; 2 Kin. 3:13; Isa. 16:12; 36:18. 2 Chr. 28:22, 23; Psa. 115:4, 5, 8 Psa. 96:5; 135:15–18; Isa. 2:8. Isa. 40:12–26; Isa. 41:23, 24 vs. 26–29.; Isa. 44:19 vs. 9–20.; Isa. 45:20; Isa. 46:1, 2, 6, 7; Isa. 47:13, 14 vs. 12–15;; 2 Kin. 19:18; Isa. 37:19; Zech. 10:2. Isa. 57:13; Jer. 2:28 Deut. 32:37, 38; Judg. 10:14. Jer. 10:5 vs. 3–16;; Jer. 48:13; 51:17; Hab. 2:18, 19. Jer. 11:12; Jer. 14:22; Jer. 16:19, 20; Hos. 8:5, 6 Ex. 32:20; Psa. 106:20. Acts 14:15; Acts 17:22, 23, 29; Rom. 1:22, 23; 1 Cor. 8:4 with 1 Cor. 8:5; 10:19.1 Cor. 12:2; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 9:20 Deut. 4:28; Dan. 5:23

See:

 What does the Bible say about praying to / speaking to the dead?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "...[S]he is our mother John 19:27..."

Then saith he to the disciple. Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home [John 19:25–27].
"Jesus calls Mary, “Woman,” just as He had in John 2 at the wedding at Cana. His hour is come. He is to die, but He will rise again. He is to be glorified. His relationship to His mother is to be severed. To her, as well as to us, He is to be the glorified Christ. His resurrection will clear her name forever. Her reputation will be vindicated. But she must come to Christ in faith just as every other believer comes. While He is dying for the sins of the world, He will not neglect her. We know that Mary will be praying with the disciples in the Upper Room after His resurrection (see Acts 1:14), and after that she drops out of the picture. As long as she lived John would keep her in his home and care for her, as the Lord Jesus asked him to do."
McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 4:493

See:

Who is the Queen of Heaven? Was Ashtoreth the queen of heaven? Is Mary now the Queen of Heaven?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "Unfortunately the "gulf" mentioned in Luke 16:26 did not prevent communication between those on either side of the "gulf." You have supported the Catholic position wonderfully."

The beggar was a character is Jesus' parable. You cannot speak with deceased people. If Mary could hear your prayer, that would make her something other than a human being (Ps 139:7-12).

"Asking those who have died..."

They cannot hear your babbling (Mt 6:7).

See:

What does the Bible say about praying to / speaking to the dead? Is it possible to have a conversation with those who are dead?

Also see:

No Praying the Rosary

"Jesus Himself spoke with Moses and Elijah while on Earth (Matt 17:3)."

Jesus is the creator (Ge 1:1, Jn 1:1, Is. 40:28). Mary is the creation (Ro 1:23).

"...[I]t just means that God (Ps 139:7-12) makes it possible for her to hear."

That is false. Only God hears prayers. Mary is not a god; therefore, she cannot hear your prayer. There is one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Ti 2:5).

 

How many times have we heard someone say, “Why would God want to speak to me? I am not a preacher or in full-time Christian service. Why in the world would he want to communicate with me?”
The truth is, we are all saved by grace (Eph. 2:8); we are all washed and sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11); we are all saints (1 Cor. 1:2); and we are all children of the living God (John 1:12). Fathers just naturally want to speak to their children.
Unfortunately, we often see ourselves in an unworthy light—and when we do, we wonder why a great, magnificent God would ever want to speak to us. In that case, God could scream into our ears, but we would not hear Him.
We must see ourselves as God sees us: that is, as children who need Him to speak, who need to listen, who need guidance every day of their lives. If we have a pauper-like image of ourselves, wondering why the God who created the heavens and the earth would engage in meaningful conversation with insignificant us, then communication shuts down to minimal levels at best. It all depends on relationship. We are children of God, and our Father eagerly seeks to speak to us!
Psalm 139 provides us with marvelous insight into the Father’s perfect knowledge of us and His abundant love for us, just the way we are. He knows how we are made. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our sinful desires, and our transgressions are not hidden from Him. He knows our innermost hurts, fears, and frustrations—and yet He longs to gain intimacy with us.
Jesus has chosen to put His unmatched presence into these scarred, earthen vessels. He is at home in these tattered earthly tents. We need not be ill at ease, but instead we can relax and enjoy His fellowship, knowing that He died for us while were yet hopeless sinners (Rom. 5:6–8). He has permanently accepted us into His family, with all our undesirable baggage. We are His—lock, stock, and barrel!
Stanley, Charles F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible : New King James Version. Nashville, TN : Nelson Bibles, 2005, S. Ps 139:1-24

"...Are you limiting the the term "mediator" to intercessor?"

Intercessory prayer is not prayer to the dead.

See:

What is intercessory prayer? How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

"We are all sanctified and all saints?"

You are not a Christian. You believe a false gospel (Ga 1:6-8).

See:

Works vs. Faith

"God raises up the humble..."

You are not humble. You are filled with pride (1 Ti 6:3,4, Hab 2:4,5; Ro 1:30).

"Serpent has no such credentials and certainly no authority."

When I speak from the word of God, I speak with the authority of any apostle or prophet (Rogers). Lu 16:29,31, Pr 6:23; 2 Pe 1:19, 2 Ti 3:15-17. 

 Your word above all Your name (Ps 138:2).

"...[Y]ou do not act in charity when you omit His justice (as you are doing)."

It is charitable to tell the truth (Ac 20:20).  God is just and God is wrath (Rom. 2:5–8).

“If you take part of the truth, and try to make that part of the truth, all of the truth, then that part of the truth becomes an untruth.” ~ Adrian Rogers

"This is called a false gospel and is warned of in Scripture."

There is one gospel. It is of grace not works (Ac 14:3; 20:32, Eph 2:8-9, Jud 11).

See:

Vid. Catholicism vs Christianity by Mike Gendron

[Intercessory prayer is not prayer to the dead.] "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

Mary lives where the Lord lives. You are forbidden from attempting to contact her.

"The Bible condemns spiritism, the consulting of mediums, and necromancy (attempting to contact the dead) Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, Deut 18:10, 11; 1 Sam 28:3,9..." Full text: Christianity, Cults & the Occult

[Mk 12:27]

"Mk 12:27 You are … greatly mistaken. Jesus accused the Sadducees of making a complete error in teaching that there is no resurrection."
MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Mk 12:27

"Grace+Faith+Works..."

When you add to God's gospel of grace (Ac 14:3; 20:32, Eph 2:8-9), you enter into false teaching (Ga 1:6-8, Jn 14:6-7, Rom 10:3-10, Jud 11).

We are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Eph 1:13; 2Ti 1:10), in Christ alone (Isa 45:21,22; 59:16; Ac 4:12). Roman Catholics deny this (Jude 1:11).
 

[James 2:20]

"Jas 2:20 foolish. Lit. “empty, defective.” The objector’s claim of belief is fraudulent, and his faith is a sham. faith without works is dead? Lit. “the faith without the works.” James is not contrasting two methods of salvation (faith versus works). Instead, he contrasts two kinds of faith: living faith that saves and dead faith that does not (cf. 1 John 3:7–10)." MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Jas 2:20

See:

 A Scriptural Response to: Biblical Evidence or Catholics St. Joseph Communication

"If your religion has not changed your life, you'd better change your religion." ~ Adrian Rogers

"Believing is a work."

Ro 10:17

Who is the 'Queen of Heaven', and what do Catholics believe?