The Ever Virgin Mother

[Lukaris]

Does anyone know where the unbelief of that the blessed Virgin Mother not being ever Virgin originated? From what little I know, this was not even an issue with the original Protestant movement in the 16th century.

I hope I am not imposing here & but I just thought Catholics might know more of where this dumbing down of faith originated? I know Catholics & Orthodox have differences re the Theotokos of course but not on this basic truth and just want to focus on that the Mother of God is ever Virgin.

 

[Abaxvahl]

Does anyone know where the unbelief of that the blessed Virgin Mother not being ever Virgin originated? From what little I know, this was not even an issue with the original Protestant movement in the 16th century.

I hope I am not imposing here & but I just thought Catholics might know more of where this dumbing down of faith originated? I know Catholics & Orthodox have differences re the Theotokos of course but not on this basic truth and just want to focus on that the Mother of God is ever Virgin.

I do not know the origin in Protestantism, who first believed this from that movement, but I do know unbelief in it probably goes back to the beginning of the Church. Groups like the Ebionites and other Judaizing heretics often denied the virgin birth at all and held that Jesus was conceived like the rest of mankind (along with denying the divinity).

 

[BeyondET]

basically from a 4th century theologian named Helvidius Priscus.

 

[TheWhat?]

I think I've heard this coming from pulpits before, with a little co-redemptrix theology they use to explain why they don't accept Catholic teachings. My guess is it's not that complicated, it's sola scriptura. Culture and values changed. Protestants who are accustomed to stripping everything non-biblical from their belief systems, and who value marriage more than virginity, have less of a reason to stress the importance of Mary's virginity.

 

[Michie]

basically from a 4th century theologian named Helvidius Priscus.

Interesting! I learned something today.
CHURCH FATHERS: The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Jerome)

 

[1rreducibly Complex]

want to focus on that the Mother of God is ever Virgin.

It revolves around the debate of whether Jesus had biological siblings.

Brothers of Jesus - Wikipedia

If I wanted to pray to and have a relationship with God/Jesus.

Why would I ever pray to Mary instead.

Mary who showed no inclination towards being a leader in the religious community.

 

[Taodeching]

Except the word used does not have to mean blood relations but just kin

 

[1rreducibly Complex]

Except the word used does not have to mean blood relations but just kin

That's what people say about Jesus turning water into wine.

They say it was "non-alcoholic" wine to be politically correct.

Sometimes the word "wine" literally means wine.

And the word "brother" literally means brother in a biological sense.

 

[Taodeching]

That's what people say about Jesus turning water into wine.

They say it was "non-alcoholic" wine to be politically correct.

Sometimes the word "wine" literally means wine.

And the word "brother" literally means brother in a biological sense.

Well I will not debate because this is the Catholic forum, maybe some of the well knowledgeable folks can come in whom are Catholic like @chevyontheriver, @Michie or some other Catholic . I will say the Bible was not written in English but in languages where one word can have different meaning according to context

 

[1rreducibly Complex]

Well I will not debate because this is the Catholic forum, maybe some of the well knowledgeable folks can come in whom are Catholic like @chevyontheriver . I will say the Bible was not written in English but in languages where one word can have different meaning according to context

Ah, didn't realize it was the catholic section.

Ok. I'm done.

Was only trying to contribute to discussion. As a question was asked.

 

[TheWhat?]

Ah, didn't realize it was the catholic section.

Ok. I'm done.

Was only trying to contribute to discussion. As a question was asked.

To be fair, it was a question about protestants.

It revolves around the debate of whether Jesus had biological siblings.

Brothers of Jesus - Wikipedia

If I wanted to pray to and have a relationship with God/Jesus.

Why would I ever pray to Mary instead.

Mary who showed no inclination towards being a leader in the religious community.

Fyi, Ratzinger composed a fairly good defense against the co-redemptrix doctrine. You're probably talking about praying to saints, but I just wanted to add that protestants who believe that Mary as a co-redemptrix is Catholic dogma are completely wrong.

 

[TheWhat?]

As far as I'm concerned, I don't share the hysteria about virginity, and I'm not required to. Even if Mary were not ever-virgin I would still consider to be equally honored.

To quote myself:

"In a crisis of conscience, examine your loyalties"​

 

[AvilaSurfer]

Ah, didn't realize it was the catholic section.

Ok. I'm done.

Was only trying to contribute to discussion. As a question was asked.

Well bye

 

[Gnarwhal]

To be fair, it was a question about protestants.

That's true, I understand your point, but this is just the nature of all the congregational forums.