Christians, what do you think of this article on 'Virgin Mary'?

Question

http://www.india-forum.com/articles/171/1/Virgin-Mary

Answer 1

Only skimmed the article. The article is correct on one point, the doctrine of perpetual virginity is a strange idea created by man and is not supported by scripture.

"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him. (Mark 6:5)

Answer 2

Not much...the author confuses the "Virgin Birth" or "Incarnation of Jesus" with the "Immaculate Conception"...which are separate issues.

The Immaculate Conception is Christian dogma that describes MARY being conceived naturally through her parents Ann & Joachim but without the blemish of Original Sin. It has nothing to do with whether Mary and Joseph had ever had sexual relations, nor the manner of conception and birth of Jesus. The Immaculate Conception occurred roughly 9 months before the birth of Mary and many (probably 14 or 15) years before the Annunciation and subsequent natural birth of Jesus.

Jesus' Virgin Birth (conceived by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed during the Annunciation) is a completely separate matter.

The author knows very little if anything of Christian doctrine. He (Kalavai Venkat) calls himself an "Agnostic Hindu." He should call himself an "un-read historian," as well. (I Googled "Immaculate Conception" and got 1,220,000 hits!) It doesn't seem as though he really did any intense research for his column!

Answer 3

I think the article is biased. I do not believe in the immaculate conception (as defined by the catholic church). The objectivity of the researchers are in question, so none of their findings are of any value or relevance.

My position is that Mary was a chosen vessel, perhaps a very special person, but a young virgin of approximate age of twelve who was promised in marriage to Joseph when she was visited by the Archangel Gabriel who announced her part in the purpose of God.

Jesus' siblings were half-brothers and sisters from Mary and Joseph.

Answer 4

The bible states Mary didn't have sex with Joseph UNTIL after Jesus was born.
The bible states Jesus was Mary's FIRST BORN son. There is a Greek word for first born and a Greek word for ONLY born. First born was used!
There is no evidence showing Jesus's brothers in the bible were "cousins" in fact one of our early church fathers, Eucebius, who was also a historian told of Jesus's brothers. James was head of the church in Jerusalem and Jude was also a figure in Christian history. Eucecbius also says one of Jude's decedents (stating Jesus brother) were brought before Caesar.
Sex is not a sin. Not within marriage. The reason Mary was a virgin is because the ability to sin is passed down through the male. This is the reason Mary was a virgin.
Jesus told John to take care of Mary because his brother didn't believe he was the Christ! He wanted fellow believers to care for mom.
If one just takes the time to look at the real evidence one can see the flaws in Roman Catholic teaching where one lie leads to another lie to another.
†

Answer 5

It is quite a pile of garbage! The brothers of Yahoshua were older than He, and had no attachment to His mother Mary. That is obvious, because He entrusted Mary to His disciple John's care at the cross. If He had had younger siblings (Mary's children) then THEY would have taken care of Mary.

Answer 6

Interesting article. I agree that the Christian church is hung up with sexuality, but I think you will find that most Christians don't worship Mary and know she had other sons. Catholics may have a problem with it.

Answer 7

The Nicean Creed split the Trinity into 3 different yet equivalent human beings from eternity. there is no faith in that Creed different than polytheism it fairly is like no faith. the assumption then wanders from one divine being to a various and the assumption won't be able to relax on a perception in God being all-efficient and everywhere-cutting-edge.

Answer 8

Mary remained ever virgin. Those were cousins referred to as brothers in that era

Answer 9

I believe even if Joseph was the father to Jesus, it dose not take away the wisdom he had in his spoken words, I also believe that Joseph was the culprit that knocked her up, but that dose not change my beliefs in Jesus, I simply do not believe he is the son of God it's simply absurd, and I am a practising catholic.

Answer 10

Dear Friend,

This article is not in line with biblical teaching, therefore it is not possible for us to comment.

God Bless