[Forest Keeper]

Bottom line, the Protoevangelium of James might be where we get the idea of Panagia's life-long sinlessness. It is equally likely that we got it from, say, the writings of +Ignatius of Antioch or any of a number of other sources. Again, however, for us Orthodox it simply isn't an issue.

That it isn't an issue for the Orthodox is interesting to me. I contrast that with Catholicism, in which the Immaculate Conception "appears" to be a fairly big (important) issue. I'm not sure I understand why that is. I wonder if it has something to do with the concept of original sin. That's the only thing I could think of that could touch this topic, where there are different views among Catholics and the Orthodox.

[kosta50]

I contrast that with Catholicism, in which the Immaculate Conception "appears" to be a fairly big (important) issue. I'm not sure I understand why that is

Well, it is, FK, because it is a Roman Catholic dogma (as of 1854).

I'm not sure I understand why that is. I wonder if it has something to do with the concept of original sin

The western (Augustinian) concept of the "original sin," which you share with our Catholic brothers and sisters, is at the root for such a dogma, and one of the several theological disagreements the Orthodox share with the Church of the West, although -- paradoxically -- both sides of the Church believe Blessed Theotokos to be have been immaculate all her life, and venerate her as the Saint above all Saints.

[jo kus]

That it isn't an issue for the Orthodox is interesting to me. I contrast that with Catholicism, in which the Immaculate Conception "appears" to be a fairly big (important) issue. I'm not sure I understand why that is. I wonder if it has something to do with the concept of original sin. That's the only thing I could think of that could touch this topic, where there are different views among Catholics and the Orthodox.

That Mary was sinless predates St. Augustine. This was not something HE invented or thought up. More or less, if you want to understand the Catholic point of view regarding Mary, you need to understand the link between Mary and the New Eve concept. We've covered this ground already. But if Eve was created sinless, and was involved in Adam's fall, so the same with Mary in our Redemption. It is a natural outgrowth of the Second Adam found in Scriptures and is found quite early in Christian writings.

Regards