This is a very interesting discussion taking place here on several threads. But Mary’s personal life, post-Jesus’ birth, is utterly irrelevant to our Salvation.
The Bible is wisely silent on the matter, and I can’t understand why we bother taking up time and thought on this, instead of focusing on more constructive things.
Shhhhh! The Catholics are busy constructing mountains out of this molehill...
Because a very active, vocal group of RCs wish to emphasize the distinct character of their organization by keeping this minor player in the forefront. Such cultic adoration demands a rebuttal and replacement with the truth. What this writer provides about Mary is true and refutes the errant positions taken by the Romanists.
Amen....anything ever said about Mary, or anyone else (paul, peter etc...) should always be Christocentric. If Mary was or was not ever virgin it makes NO difference on the gospel and is NOT a doctrine that affects the gospel. Christ is the one that matters not anyone else.
Bingo!!!!! ..But actually it is not “silent” it speaks of her other children.. but marks personal sex life has not one think to do with our salvation
“But Mary’s personal life, post-Jesus’ birth, is utterly irrelevant to our Salvation.”
Yes.
Unless she is held up as a Goddess herself, born also of a virgin and co-redeemer with Jesus.
I have seen these things taught here. Then it is quite relevant.
“The Bible is wisely silent on the matter...”
And, the Bible sure isn’t silent on the matter as the multitude of verses cited above attest.
While *I* agree with you that this is irrelevant to salvation, I do not believe that Catholics think the same way.
Catholic dogma appears to be an all-or-nothing proposition, from the doctrine of the Trinity all the way down to Mary experiencing no pain during the birth of Jesus. To deny any Catholic doctrine, no matter how significant or spurious, is to put oneself in opposition to the authority of their church, and thus place oneself in eternal damnation. I believe this is the real reason for the emphasis on hair-splitting pronouncements such as Mary being "The Mother of God" - they are worded so as to be deliberately provocative, in order to flush out non-compliancy.
Ask the Catholics; as they are the ones OBSESSED with it.