got flamed the first time, so here it is again:
If I was Joseph I would not have "taken" her. Would you have?
And by the way, this sort of what would you have done question is used in philosophy. Then, by the heart of a person interested in the good of many, you may see the truth.
I am Catholic.
Did you know that the original language of the books of the bible where it mentions Jesus has brothers and sisters that the word of "cousin" wasn't in use?
And many times all those who followed Him were allowed in His family as brothers and sisters.
Also, the word "until" you read in your english version of the Bible did not have the same conotation in its original language. ("until she gave birth" or something like that is used to prove she had children w/joseph)
Why must I point out, again, that many scholars believe that James was a cousin.
The Bible is explicit, when she concieved she had never "Known" a man.
Joseph may have thought of her more of anothers wife.
2006-12-07 07:52:50 · 29 answers · asked by BigPappa 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And I like you Nicholas.
2006-12-07 07:55:08 · update #1
Realize, I am not asking that you accept the Dogma, simply accept the possibility, and this, only to the extent that you may look past it.
2006-12-07 07:57:49 · update #2
And one stands against me with this word "brother." And one stands against me with this word "until."
2006-12-07 07:59:46 · update #3
The word "ambiguity" come to mind.
2006-12-07 08:14:25 · update #4
Mary remained a virgin her whole life. Joseph never copulated with her and she lived much like a nun does. AFter all, if I were married to a woman who had just born the son of God, the long awaited messiah, I would not make love to her because I would never be able to measure up to God. It is possible to not have sex when you're married or for your whole life. We are just a sex-oriented society and since many of us can't, we think no one can.
2006-12-07 07:58:49 · answer #1 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I think that the question that arises out of your explanation is really "Does it matter whether Mary 'knew' a man after Jesus was born?"
Notice that the Bible is (as you have stated) rather indecisive about the matter. Using the evidence given in the New Testament, one cannot prove conclusively one way or another. But what if she did have other children? Would this take away from the miracle of the virgin birth? I don't think so. The miracle would still be a miracle. What is she didn't? Is sex a sin? Not inside of marriage. So....
Once Jesus was born, little information is given about Mary. The central figure of the New Testament is, after all, Jesus. His authenticity as the Savior of mankind is unaffected by Mary's actions after his birth, even if they were sinful (which they weren't). So whether Jesus had cousins or brothers and sisters, we are still saved. (and that is the really important issue)
2006-12-07 16:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by presidentbryce 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible never gives an exact count, but Jesus’ siblings are mentioned in several Bible verses. Matthew 12:46, Luke 8:19, and Mark 3:31 say that Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. The Bible tells us that Jesus had four brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). The Bible also tells us that Jesus had sisters, but they are not named or numbered (Matthew 13:55-56). In John 7:1-10, His brothers go on to the festival while Jesus stays behind. In Acts 1:14, His brothers and mother are described as praying. Later in Galatians 1:19, it mentions that James was Jesus’ brother. The most natural conclusion of these passages is to interpret that Jesus had actual blood siblings.
There is no Biblical reason to believe that these siblings are not the actual children of Mary and Joseph. The Bible does not even hint that Joseph was married, or had children, before he married Mary. Jesus’ siblings were obviously born after Jesus, because Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38). Those who oppose the idea that Jesus had half-brothers and half-sisters do so, not from a reading of Scripture, but from a preconceived concept of the perpetual virginity of Mary, which is itself clearly unbiblical: "But he (Joseph) had no union with her (Mary) UNTIL she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus" (Matthew 1:25).
Recommended Resource: Vital Christology Issues by Roy Zuck.
2006-12-07 15:59:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think Joseph did, after she had given birth, because he was a man with natural desires. That's not to say that I think any less of him, or that I think it was wrong. But I'm sure that when he became betrothed to Mary, he was attracted to her in many ways and was happy that he would one day be her husband, and be able to do all the things that go along with that. I would think that, if Mary were supposed to remain a virgin her entire life, she wouldn't have been betrothed to Joseph. It would have been a lot easier for her and for everyone if she didn't have a man in her life, because, let's face it, many people back then also suspected that she may have been sleeping around, or that her and Joseph had rushed their relationship, and Mary had gotten pregnant from Joseph. What I think Joseph thought of Mary as was a woman who loved the Lord and got the blessing of carrying His son. But I don't think Joseph just left her alone after Jesus was born. He had the right to take his wife, and I think that he did. (Thanks for clarifying your question. the first one was confusing...)
2006-12-07 16:02:59 · answer #4 · answered by jenn w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If when you read the bible, you don't realize that it is written in mostly parrables, or that it was compiled by the Roman Catholic Church who was more interested in creating a situation by which they could prosper, then in my opinion you missed the boat. Simply believe in God with all of your heart and quit waisting your time questioning him. Do some research and find for yourself that there were far more than 4 gospels written, and how about the Dead Sea Scrolls? Why then were they not used... HMMMMM, maybe they were opposed to the direction that the church wanted the religion to go? Bottom line is... Believe in God or don't. Your soul in the end will by the mercy of God know the truth.
2006-12-07 16:08:10 · answer #5 · answered by azguy6341 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please read the following scripture: Matthew 13:55-56 "Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his home town, and in his own household". Jesus was the first born not the only child born to Mary and Joseph.
2006-12-07 16:02:15 · answer #6 · answered by happylapper1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No she was not a virgin her whole life ,Jesus had brothers and sisters , I'm really sorry that your catholic and you worship Mary instead of Jesus but you need to read the word of God and not put your faith in a system that holds priest popes and other saints so much higher than Jesus , Only Jesus died for your sins ,Blessed is Mary among all woman but she in no way is the Queen of heaven
2006-12-07 16:00:12 · answer #7 · answered by Terry S 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NO, just for Jesus
Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
see the word TILL
Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
brothers: James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas
sisters:(next verse)
Matthew 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
if it was true Mary was always a virgin, then why not revernce Joseph, because if she was a virgin so was he. but Matthew tells us Mary had children
2006-12-07 16:03:05 · answer #8 · answered by readthekjv1611@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Once again, it says Nowhere in the bible that they ever had other kids, nowhere.
I just became Catholic last year after 20 years of study, she remained a virgin after the birth of Christ, she was born without sin.
Oh, and Jesus had now children either, that movie was FICTION, it even said it was!
Do some research on Fatima and Guadalupe, it is very interesting!
Peace and God Bless!
FYI, Catholics do NOT worship Mary, or put the Pope or Priests above Jesus, If you are going to insult the faith at least know what you are talking about first!
2006-12-07 16:01:00 · answer #9 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Whatever connotation 'until' had in the original language, I would think that it would have just said 'ever' if that had been the case. Regardless, speculating about Joseph and Mary's sexual relations is completely improper and holds no value. I don't care whether they did or not! I don't believe Mary was without sin, because the Bible says 'not one' is, not 'not one except Mary'.
2006-12-07 15:57:27 · answer #10 · answered by Free Ranger 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why MUST you point out again?? no one is asking you the things you state are your opinions the bible cannot be taken literally all the time. When they talk of Mary's virginity they are talking about her at the moment of conception...not 10 years down the road..why does this bother you so much..perhaps you should go to seminary school and ease your doubts.
2006-12-07 15:58:29 · answer #11 · answered by .*^+Holly+^*. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋