Roman Catholicism makes a careful distinction between the worship due to God alone and the veneration given to Mary and the saints. Catholics ask those in heaven to intercede for them, give Mary a unique place of honour, and use images and statues as part of their devotional life. Eastern Orthodoxy similarly understands the Church as a living communion between believers on earth and those already in heaven, with Mary, the saints and icons occupying a prominent place in its worship and spirituality.
But does the New Testament support these practices? Should Christians ask departed saints to intercede for them? What place should Mary occupy in Christian devotion? And does the veneration of images help direct our attention towards Christ, or risk drawing attention away from Him?
In Episode 5, Alasdair MacPherson and Ian Jackson examine Mary, the communion of saints, prayer to the departed and the use of icons, and ask whether these practices are consistent with the biblical teaching that Christ alone is the mediator between God and man.
