[nmh]

"Luke chapter 2 defines the Immaculate Conception as clearly as anything defines the Trinity. As for Mary's perpetual virginity, there is nothing in Scripture which makes any mention of her having any other children."

I don't disagree with how Jesus was conceived.

How about her perpetual virginity?

Sinlessness?

Where's that in the Bible?

[Frank Sheed]

Where's that in the Bible?

Right behind the section describing the Canon, the Immaculate Conception and the detailed description of the Trinity.

[NYer]

How about her perpetual virginity? Sinlessness? Where's that in the Bible?

Ezek. 44:2 - Ezekiel prophesies that no man shall pass through the gate by which the Lord entered the world. This is a prophecy of Mary's perpetual virginity. Mary remained a virgin before, during and after the birth of Jesus.

Luke 1:31,34 - the angel tells Mary that you "will" conceive (using the future tense). Mary responds by saying, "How shall this be?" Mary's response demonstrates that she had taken a vow of lifelong virginity by having no intention to have relations with a man. If Mary did not take such a vow of lifelong virginity, her question would make no sense at all (for we can assume she knew how a child is conceived). She was a consecrated Temple virgin as was an acceptable custom of the times.