Why do people think Roman Catholics believes in Mary?

I don't get this. Why do non-Catholics think that we do believe in Mary and continue to insist that we do even though we say that we don't?

We don't ever and I mean EVER worship Mary as a God or place her anywhere above God. This is one of the core teachings that all of us Christians are taught that there is only one God.

I am a Catholic Sunday School teacher and I get comments about my students coming up to me and telling me that their friends told them that they will go to hell because they Roman Catholics believes in a false God(Mary) when in fact we don't believe in her.

We only praise her and ask her to pray for us. Even many famous non-Catholic pastors seems to acknowledge this, but why does some churches teach that we Catholics do? The meaning of prayer for us Catholics mean a form of communicating and not worshiping.

People have asked me why I pray to Mary and not to God and ask him directly, but I tell them just like the way you go to your family and friends to pray for you we do the same with Mary and the saints. We ask them to pray for us and let our prayer be heard.

More detailed information about Mary can be found here: http://www.catholic.com/library/Do_Catholics_Worship_Statues.asp
Okay, first of all all of those who did in fact say that Catholics worship Mary is completely ignoring what I wrote and/or ignoring the fact that we are being taught NOT to worship Mary as a God. It's like saying this. I say that you stole my candy, but you know you didn't steal candy. However, I keep insisting that you did steal my candy when you didn't. That is exactly where you people are placing Catholics in. We do not believe in Mary like we do in God.

We place her in a high place because she was the vessel and mother of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge the fact that this was a great deed in which she herself decided to take upon.

Also, like I said a prayer defined is a way of communicating not a form of worship. Like it said, a prayer means of communicating not worshiping.

And with the context of what Chris is going about is a difference in translation. We will never be an end to that argument because our Bible has been translated and understood differently.
@ Renata - The Brown Scapular has been one of the most misunderstood even within Catholics itself, so I will not blame you for this. The scapular is there as a profession to your faith, but not that it will take you to heaven. I've done some research because I remember hearing about this and disagreeing with this as well.

Also, the word "Full of Grace" that you are talking about is also what Angel Gabriel told Mary. You also have to take note that Mary is the person who bore God's child. Therefore, we honor her for that. Not that we worship her.

If you are to also look in the link I posted, it clarifies why the statue of Mary is there(Too long to write).

The fact that catholics worship Mary, was already addressed here a few moments ago: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmsnaRpz.0mRXJTonmQjf6vwDH1G;_ylv=3?qid =20110314163918AAgtRFZ

many catholics pray to her and worship her and that is wrong in itself

That's just one of many issues.

Catholicism cannot get anyone into heaven, because Catholicism teaches works for salvation, and that is a false gospel of works (Galatians 1:6-9) that is against JESUS'S free gift of salvation!

And Catholicism will not give you a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, which is what JESUS wants with you!

So, you need to get away from Catholicism, and instead, to believe in JESUS for His free gift of eternal life in heaven! John 3:16!

Jesus is God, and Jesus loves you so very much! And the Trinity is true! Jesus is the Messiah!

The truth about Jesus is that the only way to be saved and to get into heaven and avoid being sent to hell, is by believing in JESUS for His free gift of eternal life in heaven, believing in faith alone that Jesus, who is God, died on the cross for all our sins as FULL PAYMENT for all our sins, and then Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Believe in Jesus for His free gift of salvation, and you will be in heaven, no matter what! John 3:16, John 6:47!

Salvation is a FREE GIFT that happens in a split second when you believe in JESUS for His free gift of salvation! It is impossible to lose or "leave" salvation (John 6:39-40, John 10:28, 1 John 5:13).

Please pray now: "Jesus, I believe that You died on the cross to pay for my sins and that You rose from the dead, and I thank You for eternal life!" You will be in heaven with Him forever when you die!

may I ask where in Scriptures does it tell us to pray to or through the dead? because I see many many places in the Scriptures where it does tell us the condition of the dead. I do not nor have I ever read in the Scriptures where it states to hold Mary in such high places. and you failed to include any references? all I see is excuses or explanations for doing as you do, I do not see where God or Jesus Ever suggested this. I'm very sure the Scriptures tells all of us that No One comes to the Father except through Jesus, no mention of the dead, Mary or any dead Saints.

Jesus is the only one that deserves our prayers and worship. There are many Catholic traditions and beliefs that are not in line with the Bible. They come from the pagans.

People, children in particular, are incapable of understanding the nuances of the various sects of Christianity. They often make those small mistakes. Do not sweat it.

After all, they are arguing over who is the best friend to the imaginary friend.

They need reasons to hate, and they don't care whether they're real. They cling to hatred. It's an unfortunate trait in humans. Having someone to hate makes us idiots feel improved by it.

Anytime you find yourself thinking :"Those people..." interrupt yourself and look within.

http://carm.org/mary-subject-preaching-and-worship

As a person educated as a Catholic, I understand what you mean when you claim that Catholics do not worship Mary

But Jer. 25:6 states that we should not go after gods to worship or to serve them. Many, many prayers to Mary profess that the person offering the prayer lovingly undertakes to serve her.

As for Mary being "full of grace" having the meaning that she had no original sin, as some Catholic apologists claim - the original Greek states that Stephen was also full of grace - Acts 6:8. Yet we don't honor Stephen as free from original sin.

Have you heard of the claims officially associated with the Brown Scapular?
. "...whosoever dies wearing this (the brown scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire" (Virgin Mary's promise to St. Simon
Only God can promise eternal salvation.