You wrote:
“I am in NO WAY questioning the Virgin Birth, I believe that.”
I didn’t say you questioned it.
“What I am wondering is why Mary had to remain a virgin her entire life?”
Had to? First, get your vocabulary right. Mary chose to be a virgin. Also, once Mary gave herself over to God will, what God fearing man like Joseph would ever be anything but a guardian to her?
“Jesus was born of a Virgin, even if she and Joseph had a normal marriage after the birth of Jesus.”
They never had a conjugal marriage, nor was she ever planning on one either.
First, I know there is often confusion between the Virgin Birth and Perpetual Virginity of Mary and I was seeing some confusion, hence my clarification.
The Bible never says she chose to remain a virgin or that they did not have a conjugal marriage. My vocab choice was fine.
However, thank you for your statement and I see perhaps a glimmer of why even though not directly addressed.
They never had a conjugal marriage, nor was she ever planning on one either.
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Interesting statement. Could you source that please? I am sincerely interested.
I don’t think many denominations recognize or celebrate the Presentation of Mary in the temple for an education. She did, indeed, choose to be a virgin and dedicate her life to God.