Perpetual virginity of Mary

The perpetual virginity of Mary ( ἀειπαρθενεία aeipartheneía, ἀέι of "always" and παρθενεία " virginity " ) is a dogma of the Roman Catholic Church ( and thus part of Mariology ). What this means is that Mary was before, during and after the birth of Jesus a virgin.

For virginity before Jesus' birth Main article Virgin Birth

Old Church

The written around 120-150 apocryphal Proto Gospel of James describes the origin and life of Mary. According to Chapter 19-20 she vowed as a child to remain a virgin. Origen represented by 200 uninjured Mary's virginity before, during and after Jesus' birth. The Roman bishop ( Pope ) Siricius lifted 392 their perpetual virginity out:

Peter of Alexandria and Epiphanius of Salamis used the honorary title aeiparthenos ( "Always Mermaid " ) for Mary. John Chrysostom also represented by 400 the view that Mary was his life remained a virgin. The church father Augustine, however, only emphasized that Jesus was received from a virgin, and thus remained the only sinless man: he was able to redeem mankind from original sin. At the Second Council of Constantinople Opel 553 the doctrine was expressly recognized.

Catholic and Orthodox doctrine

According to Catholic and Orthodox teaching, Mary was a virgin, and remained so during and after the birth of Jesus, and with the Holy. Joseph had not consummated the marriage. For this reason, the Holy will. Josef usually referred to as groom or companion of Mary. From the marriage of Mary and Joseph, the name " Josef marriage" is derived.

Virginity for the sake of the kingdom will be considered in the Catholic and Orthodox Church as particularly commendable virtue.

Protestant attitude

In terms of the perpetual virginity of Mary, the churches of the Reformation judge differently in their confessions. While Martin Luther and John Calvin recognized, took most of a negative attitude. The Lutheran Confessions as a binding doctrinal basis of the Lutheran churches speak, for example, in the Formula of Concord Article 8 ( From the Person of Christ S. 1024) as follows: . " So they truly Mother of God, and yet a virgin has remained ( Maria) " However, to rely not all Lutheran churches on the Formula of Concord.

Other Reformed churches believe the New Testament mention of Jesus' siblings, four brothers and at least two sisters of Jesus means that Joseph and Mary would have begotten children together after the birth of Jesus (Mt 12,46 EU), (Mt 1,24 f EU). Basis of argumentation is the principle Sola Scriptura. The Reformers themselves, however, were partially convinced of the lifelong virginity of Mary.

Single Documents

• Marian dogma
• Marie Title