It’s not even necessary to assume “cousin”. Many happily hold to the perpetual virginity and believe that Christ had half-brothers via Joseph.
Let’s cut to the chase of the article here. If this doctrine is a heresy and a novel invention of the 5th century, then why was it not denied by anyone until the 16th?
1000 years + is a long time for something to go virtually unchallenged, my friends, and even if you think it does contradict Scripture, you are faced with the rather stark problem of why no one else thought so—for 1000 years.
I guess every Christian between 500 and 1500 was a blithering idiot, for not seeing this? Hmm?
Half brothers would make more sense than cousins. It still seems a bit of a stretch to me (silence of scripture on any previous marriage, etc), but a part of sola scriptura is to allow that what isn’t discussed in scripture is open for individual belief.
Frankly, I read scripture as indicating other brothers, and I admire Mary (and Jesus) all the more for it. For most Protestants I’ve known, this isn’t so much a matter of the faith as it is a concern for paying attention to Mary that should be focused on Jesus. But if you don’t stint in the latter, I’m not going to worry too much about the former.
People somehow seem to have time for ‘American Idol’ and worship - don’t ask me how or why - so both respect for Mary and worship of Jesus shouldn’t be beyond possibility.