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In other words, there are good, scripturally based (and by this, I mean solely on the basis of the vocabulary and the grammar as employed at the time the words were written) arguments both ways, but that neither was conclusive.

Where is the good, Scriptural teaching that Mary was always a virgin?

At the same time it is recognized that through the centuries heretical assaults on the divinity/humanity of the one Christ have been made, indirectly, by those who would sow doubt about the virgin birth and the very possibility of Mary’s being and remaining virgin.

There's a big difference between the virgin birth and the perpetual virginity of Mary.

The virgin birth was fulfillment of prophecy. It was necessary and had to happen. Her perpetual virginity is not.

Which all gets back to a very old and wise question, WHY is anyone so obsessed with Mary’s perpetual virginity either way?

It's a matter of truth. Scripture is truth and there are enough passages to support that she had other children. Teaching otherwise is a lie, no matter how many *church fathers* believed otherwise. If it's not part of the canon, of the infallible Word of God that was given us in Scripture, it's suspect, no matter how many people believe it and how long ago they decided on it.

Dear metmom, before we begin this - sigh - are you willing to admit that maybe, maybe, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Martin Chemnitz etc. etc. were not heretical theologians, impious students of Holy Scripture or incompetent scholars of Hebrew and Greek?

I ask a serious question. I will await an answer.