We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Mary Was NOT a Perpetual Virgin


“Mary is not degraded by her relations with Joseph.” Rather, she is degraded and the institution of marriage is degraded “if the principal mother in history is left physically isolated from her husband.” Mary’s full marriage may seem to make her less godlike to some, but it actually dignifies her by recognizing her to be a real woman rather than a plastic saint, and therefore a model mother.

David J. MacLeod, “The Virginal Conception of Our Lord in Matthew 1:18-25,” (citing F.D. Bruner’s The Christbook), The Emmaus Journal, Vol.8/No.1, pg.27.

5 comments:

Jesse Albrecht said...

The Roman Catholic Church believes that Mary was conceived immaculately and a perpetual virgin. Yet, an inescapable dilemma arises in the process of upholding the two dogmas. Consider the following passage of Scripture:

"But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)

If Mary refused to have marital relations with her husband Joseph, then she would be guilty of sin. In order to remain consistent, a Catholic would either have to reject the notion of her remaining a virgin for her entire life or her sinlessness. Both cannot be true at the same time.

Marshal Art said...

A rather silly position to take anyway, given her other children (like James, for example). Those others weren't conceived in an immaculate manner. Thus, by engaging in the necessary behavior that resulted in those kids, she simply was no longer a virgin.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Good one, Jesse!

Anonymous said...

Wow Jesse! Boy that's a catch 22 for the RCC!

-Carolyn

Jesse Albrecht said...

Carolyn,

If you are interested, here's a further expose of this false doctrine that I just wrote:

https://rationalchristiandiscernment.blogspot.com/2019/05/debunking-catholic-apologist-de-marias.html