First, I don’t want to take the time starting an argument or getting bogged down in one in the religion forum.
So, I’ll just note that Catholics obviously don’t interpret Matthew 1:25 as necessarily meaning that Mary knew Joseph after the birth of Jesus. Someone else with the time or the will to do so could give a better explanation if they wish.
Also, are you asking why Catholics hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary or why the perpetual virginity of Mary is important to Catholics? If it’s the latter, then Matthew 1:25 and whether the doctrine is true or not is not really relevant to the question. But since you mentioned it, I’m guessing that you would like some explanation as to why Catholics believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, not just why it is important to Catholics.
But since you mentioned it, I’m guessing that you would like some explanation as to why Catholics believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, not just why it is important to Catholics.
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I understand the text, interpretation, etc. But I don’t get why there is hostility to the idea that she wasn’t.
This is an Ecumenical thread specifically because I DID NOT want to start a fight. In my work, I am constantly asking “why?” and this was one area where I didn’t understand the why.
http://www.askacatholic.com/_webpostings/answers/2000_08AUG/2000AugUsageOfUntil.cfm