Quote:
Originally posted by ABBAKiss
Jesus had lots of brothers and sisters, although I suppose technically "half" siblings because his was the only immaculate conception of the bunch. That Mary was a slut.
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The Gospels use the term "brother of Jesus" to describe various people, including James (who's getting a lot of attention these days for other reasons, the ossuary being only the most recent).
The Catholics say Mary is "ever virgin" (i.e., she remained so until she was assumed bodily into heaven, thereby avoiding death as a reward for her obedience to God). The term "brother" in the Gospels is, according to the Catholics, from an Aramaic term that supposedly did not distinguish between brothers and cousins. Thus (according to this view), "brother of Jesus" means cousin of Jesus.
The Protestants say that it's not theologically necessary that Mary was "ever virgin," and that she and Joseph had natural children after Jesus. According to this view, brother means brother, period.
Timmy note (sorry, Abba):
The Immaculate Conception does not refer to the conception of Jesus. It refers to the conception of Mary by St. Anne without original sin, though in the usual manner. It is a Catholic-only doctrine, its feast day is celebrated only by Catholics, and it's the most widely misunderstood Christian doctrine held by professed Christians, including Catholics themselves. Rant over.
Edited to add: Son of a bitch. I've been out-Grinched.
