[jo kus]

You do agree, though, don't you, that if a person were to use ONLY scripture as their guide to doctrine, that the deduction from scripture that Mary had other children would be a very likely conclusion.

No, considering that their is little provision in Greek for distinguishing between cousin and blood brother. Thus, we must rely on other sources to more definitively understand what the writers meant.

And I will leave it at that. This subject has been beaten like a dead horse. Nothing further can be added to it. Surely, as a pastor, you can appreciate the desire to NOT continue being divisive? Being Advent season, such conversations are not conducive to preparing to receive Christ.

Regards

[xzins]

I will point out that I asked about the condition of "only scripture." Your answer deviates from that and says "other sources."

I think it is highly probable that using "only scripture" one will arrive at the conclusion that Mary had other children.