[wagglebee]

There were larger issues for Luther and Calvin than researching and talking about the perpetual virginity of Mary.

But they obviously believed it or else they would have remained silent on the matter. Lutherans hold these beliefs to this day.

People weren't seeing and worshipping Mary floating over corn fields, on grilled cheese sandwiches and mold in tunnels. It has become a cult obsession.

I am inclined to believe that some of this is absurdly bizarre.

[HarleyD]

But they obviously believed it or else they would have remained silent on the matter.

So? I think they were wrong. That's a Protestant's prerogative; look at the scriptures and compare it to the teaching to see if you agree. I agree with 95% of every other bit of their writings. Had they checked with me I could have corrected them on the other 5%. ;O)

Lutherans hold these beliefs to this day.

If you ask Lutherans if man is "bound to sin" until God's grace redeems them, most (who would understand what you're talking about) would say, "No." What Lutherans believe today is not a good measuring stick.

I am inclined to believe that some of this is absurdly bizarre.

Well, there's one honest Catholic.

[annalex]

absurdly bizarre

It is naive, that is all. In a culture as painfully impoverished as ours is, people begin to see Mary in grill cheese sandwiches.

If we had as Christian a culture as we claim to be there would be an image of the Mother of God at every bus stop.

One thing Grill Sandwich Madonnas prove is that we are not idolaters, because obviously no one kneeling to a grill sandwich does so in order to worship the cheese.