Invocation of Saints and Prayer to Mary?

By Shane Lems - Posted at The Reformed Reader:

Systematic Theology, Charles Hodge

The Roman Catholic Catechism still teaches and affirms prayer to Mary and invocation of the saints for help (see paragraphs 2675, 2676, 2683, 956, etc.). In Protestant theology, specifically in the Reformed catechisms, prayer to Mary and to the saints is said to be idolatry – a violation of the first commandment. Why or how is prayer to saints or Mary (or anyone besides God) a form of idolatry and a grave sin? Charles Hodge explains this well as he gives three main theological objections to the invocation of saints (I’ve slightly edited the following for length): ...

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