danny t

The Bible never speaks of the sinlessness of Mary at all. She was most certainly highly favored, and unique among all other humans as the only one having given birth miraculously without man's involvement in any way. I don't think the holiness of Jesus necessitates that Mary was born without sin, only that she was one who had received grace by faith, as do we all. She received that grace by faith as a Hebrew, and the implication of all the texts relating to her is that she followed the law, was humble and sought after God.

Interestingly, I would say the same of Joseph. No one ever questions his sin nature, but I am of the opinion that he was highly favored as well.

Note that highly favored in the case of Mary and Joseph meant that they had to endured much ridicule, as Mary was known to have conceived prior to marriage, and so was shamed to some degree. God's way are not our ways, and to add to scripture some type of necessity that isn't there simply because we don't understand can be dangerous.

I grew up catholic. I recall when I was 29, having a conversation about this with a priest in my church, a godly man whom I respected. At one point, he simply stated, "In the case of these things where the Bible does not speak, or even contradicts, one has to choose whether to believe in the Bible, or believe in Tradition. I choose Tradition."

I replied, "I must choose the Bible." I still do. That said, I hold no judgment on those who believe contrary to me. It is mine only to love

February 11 2016 • Report