Is worship of saints / Mary biblical?

The Bible is clear that we are to worship God alone. The only beings in Scripture who seek or accept worship besides God are false gods associated with Satan and demons (Deuteronomy 32:16–17). All followers of the one true God refuse the worship of others, as Peter, Paul, and Barnabas demonstrate (Acts 10:25–26; 14:13–14). Even the angels of God refuse the worship of people (Revelation 19:10; 22:9). Scripture’s charge is clear: “Worship God alone!”


Despite these clear biblical principles, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that its devotion to Mary and the saints is not “worship” but “veneration.” Yet, simply using a different word does not change the nature of the practice. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with respecting faithful Christians who have lived before us (Hebrews 11). In this limited way, Mary is worthy of honor as the earthly mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38). Yet the Bible never instructs us to offer worship to her or to any other believers, whether on earth or in heaven.

Roman Catholic teaching argues that it does not worship Mary but rather reveres her in a way that directs worship to God. According to this teaching, Mary is the greatest and most beautiful of God's creations, and by praising her, people are praising her Creator. Catholic doctrine suggests this is analogous to directing praise to an artist by praising their sculpture or painting.

The problem with this reasoning is that God explicitly forbids worshiping Him through His creation. We are not to bow down before or worship the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth (Exodus 20:4–5). Romans 1:25 is clear that such practices are sinful: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” It’s true that God has created wonderful and amazing things. It’s also true that Mary was a godly woman who is worthy of appropriate respect. But the appropriate response is not worship

The primary way Roman Catholic teaching encourages the veneration of Mary and the saints is through prayer to them. Yet Scripture never instructs us to pray to anyone but God alone. Whether Mary and the saints are addressed directly in prayer or merely petitioned to pray on our behalf, neither practice is taught in the Bible. Prayer is an act of worship (Psalm 65:2; Matthew 6:9–13; Philippians 4:6). When we pray to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and our need for His help. Directing prayers to anyone other than God robs Him of the glory that belongs to Him alone.

Another way Roman Catholic teaching encourages the veneration of Mary and the saints is through the use of statues and images. Such images are often used as aids in prayer and devotion and, in some cases, are also treated as objects of special spiritual benefit or protection. Scripture consistently warns against using images in worship (Exodus 20:4–6; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21). Practices such as praying with rosary beads, lighting candles before a statue or image of a saint, or burying a statue of Joseph in the hope of selling a home are examples of practices that direct devotion toward created things rather than God. According to Scripture, such practices are idolatry.

Whether the practice is described as “worship,” “veneration,” or by any other term, the underlying problem remains the same. Whenever we ascribe to someone other than God what belongs to God alone, we commit idolatry. The Bible never instructs us to revere, pray to, or place our spiritual trust in anyone but God. We are to worship God alone. Glory, praise, honor, and adoration belong to Him. Only God is worthy to “receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). He alone is worthy to receive our worship, adoration, and praise (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 15:4).