*5.2. In Order to Locate the Question of Synergy in Its Proper Theological Context We Need to Move beyond the Juxtaposition of the Theologies of Glory and of the Cross*

I believe that at the root of this juxtaposition there is a contrast between two different understandings of the economy of salvation: one that has at its center the Incarnation (Eastern Orthodox) and another that has at its center the Cross (Protestant). One may argue that the Orthodox emphasis on the Holy Virgin is due to the importance they place on the doctrine of the Incarnation. Perhaps, finding a way to develop a more robust theology of the Incarnation without moving away from a strong affirmation of the centrality of the Cross may help us Evangelicals to more appreciate Mary's role in the mystery of the divine economy.

### *5.3. A Helpful Question to Raise Is Whether We Can Find a Point of Equilibrium between Cabasilas and Luther*

On the one hand, we have Cabasilas with his elevated view of Mary as God's coworker, helper and even co-redemptrix. On the other hand, Luther, trying to stress God's grace, focuses on Mary's unworthiness, limiting her role simply to the fact that she was a woman, a virgin, of the tribe of Judah and ready to believe the angelic message. She is suitable only in a sense that was equally true of the wooden cross. Of course, both Luther and Calvin rejected the extremes of the Radical Protestants, who saw Mary simply as a channel through which Christ flowed (Wright 1989, pp. 168–69). We believe that there is a useful distinction to make between thinking of Mary as either "praiseworthy" or "meritorious". As Evangelicals, we affirm the former but not the latter. Luther's approach shows some ambivalence because on the one hand he emphasizes Mary's low estate and nothingness but on the other, he shows affection and respect to her. He says, "Hence men have crowded all her glory into a single word, calling her the Mother of God" (Luther 1956, p. 326).

### *5.4. The More We Couple Mariology to Christology, the More We May Find Common Ground, Evangelicals and Orthodox, in Honouring the Blessed Theotokos*

As we have noted already, part of the explanation for the honour ascribed to Mary in the Orthodox tradition in general and in Cabasilas in particular, has a Christological grounding. It is the mystery and glory of the Incarnation that makes Mary's role unique and praiseworthy. Keeping the focus on Christ, for both Orthodox Christians and Evangelicals, may therefore be the key to finding a common ground in our understanding and honoring of Mary.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** Not applicable.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The author declares no conflict of interest.


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