[koraz]

Interesting question reaganaut. As a modern-day Catholic I wouldn't necessarily focus on this one matter as "something I hold so close." Rather, I believe that Christ established His Church on earth and that we should adhere to the early teaching of the Church unless we are presented with evidence to indicate that those teachings are clearly wrong. This, IMO, would be why the teaching of the Catholic Church, established at or near Christ's death, should be accepted while teaching from other sects (such as Mormons) are not. Further, I am not aware of any such early teaching that have ever been proven false (others have challenged them surely but have been unable to offer proof as to why they are wrong). Mary, as the mother of God, clearly was a "special" human. I think it would be hard for any of us to fully understand her. She does, however, serve as a wonderful model for us to try to accept the will of God in our lives.

As for some who have posted here that Catholics take issue with her having any type of relations as inferring that sex is a sin, I don't buy that. I think it gets back to the gulf between Protestants and Catholics regarding what it means to fully consecrate yourself to God. Catholic priests and nuns take vows of celibacy as we believe that this is how they can best serve God (the whole avoid worldly distractions bit). It would be logical to assume that the mother of God would do the same.

You noted that you are a historian and have studied this issue in depth. I have no doubt that you have done more research than I ever will. I do accept these teachings more as a matter of faith than having proven them to myself but here are a few biblical references that convince me that I am not just drinking the kool-aid.
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html#the_bvm-IV (see Section IV)

[reaganaut]

Thank you for the post. I do take issue with this one statement: “This, IMO, would be why the teaching of the Catholic Church, established at or near Christ’s death, should be accepted while teaching from other sects (such as Mormons) are not. “

Please do not put Mormons in the same camp as Protestants. It is not a topic for this thread and this is an ecumenical thread, however I would gladly discuss my reasons for that via Freepmail as I used to be Mormon.