Collyridianism

Existence

The existence of this sect is seen as doubtful by many scholars. The theologian Karl Gerok disputed the existence of the Collyridians, describing it as improbable that a sect composed only of women could have lasted for as long as described by Epiphanius. Likewise, the problem with the only source for the existence of this sect being a heresiographical tractate by Epiphanius has been seen by Samuel Zwemer and Averil Cameron as reason to doubt that this movement ever existed.

In the Quran

Main article: Islamic view of the Trinity

The Quran occasionally refers to Mary being taken as a goddess by Christians in Surah 5 (, , ). Some have connected these references to the Collyridian sect.

However, research in Quranic studies suggests that "the Quranic accusations that Christians claim Mary as God can be understood as a rhetorical statement." For example, David Thomas states that verse 5:116 need not be seen as describing actually professed beliefs but rather as giving examples of grc (claiming divinity for beings other than God) and a "warning against excessive devotion to Jesus and extravagant veneration of Mary, a reminder linked to the central theme of the Qur'an that there is only one God and He alone is to be worshipped." Similarly, Gabriel Said Reynolds, Sidney Griffith and Mun'im Sirry argue that the verse is to be understood as a rhetorical statement to warn against the dangers of deifying Jesus or Mary.

Collyridianism in the present

The Remnant magazine published news about the emergence of a religious movement call "Mary-Is-God Catholic Movement" (MIGCM) in the Philippines that believes that the Virgin Mary is a goddess and It is the third Hypostasis of the Trinity. The magazine described this movement as a revival of a sect Collyridianism. The Times reported that the founder of this group is called "Dominic Sanchez Falar".Dayton University published an article condemning this religious group.

Patrick Madrid, an American Catholic, author, pointed out that there are various modern forms of Collyridianism, noting that some people exaggerate their focus on Mary to the point of excluding or almost excluding Jesus, which he considers a sin bordering on idolatry. He also mentioned that there is a feminist movement that worships the Mother Goddess and portrays God in feminine terms

A recent movement has been observed reviving the worship of deities, including the view of Mary as a goddess.

References

References

1. Saint Epiphanius. (2013). "The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis: De fide. Books II and III". Brill.
2. Carroll, Michael P.. (1992). "The Cult of the Virgin Mary: Psychological Origins". Princeton University Press.
3. Block, Corrie. (2013). "The Qur'an in Christian-Muslim Dialogue: Historical and Modern Interpretations". Routledge.
4. (2004). "The Cult of the Virgin in Late Antiquity: Religious Development and Myth-Making". Studies in Church History.
5. "Qur'ānic Studies Today".
6. Sirry, Mun'im. (2014). "Scriptural Polemics: The Qur'an and Other Religions". Oxford University Press.
7. Thomas, David. (2006). "Encyclopedia of the Qur'an: Volume 5". Brill.
8. Sirry, Mun'im. (2014). "Scriptural Polemics: The Qur'an and Other Religions". Oxford University Press.
9. (2016). "Qur'ānic Studies Today". Routledge.
10. "Catholic News Watch".
11. Caldwell, By Simon. (2006-02-11). "Appearances can be downright deceptive".
12. "Mary-is-God-Catholic-Movement Condemned : University of Dayton, Ohio".
13. Madrid, Patrick. "Collyridianism".
14. Cornelius, Keridwen. (2025-04-30). "Why Are People Worshipping the Virgin Mary as a Goddess?".