KFLCC / New Age Bible Versions - Gail Riplinger

[Yjradition recognizes Mary's.. .role but distinguishes her from Sophia, or Heavenly Wisdom, the female personification of the divine principle, whereas Roman Catholic tradition merges these two concepts and has in the process deified Mary.38 William P. Barker, author of Everyone in the Bible Scholars point out that much Mariolatry. . .Mary's supposed immaculate conception by her own parents, her supposed perpetual virginity, her supposed translation bodily into heaven, her supposed appointment as co- redemtrix with Jesus. . .grew out of the devotion to the female cults so extant in the Mediterranean world in the early centuries of Christianity.39 Testing the message, given by 'the Virgin', as Schreck requests, is done based upon the word of God. Departures from biblical Christianity are frequent occurrences in the reported appearances. The statements given by 'the Virgin' during her recent daily visits to Yugoslavia are contrasted with verses from the bible. summarizes:

'Virgin':

. .search for God within.'Uo

Mark 7:21,22,23 Jesus said, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within..." 'Virgin': ".. .to be stronger than all our difficulties means to be saved.. ."41 Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us."