Was Mary a Perpetual Virgin?

Most Protestants believe that Mary *wasn't* a perpetual virgin. After all, doesn't the Bible say that Joseph and Mary remained celibate only "until" the birth of Jesus? And doesn't the New Testament describe the "brothers" of Jesus? So what are the biblical reasons Catholics and Orthodox are convinced that Mary WAS a perpetual virgin?

[RJLupin-xlyf]

I left Oneness Pentecostal two years ago and have been digging into the history of Christianity for the church straight from the apostles. Having been taught from a young age that not only Catholics, but also the trinity, was nothing more than pagan worship, I had a lot to relearn and “de-cult-anize” from. The continual virginity of Mary was one of the hardest things to understand but how you were able to argue (and convince) to it, not only Spiritually but logically, is just one of the many reasons I’m converting to Catholicism.

[mercer]

As a non-Catholic this is a very thorough breakdown. Thank you for taking the time to delve completely into this topic.

[ToddJambon]

I can't remember if you touched on this; but I also think about how the Church didn't just come up with this one day. She wouldn't make an infallible doctrine just because someone felt like it. These things are studied, argued, and prayed for over centuries before the doctrine is set in stone. This is why I believe the Catholic Church is truly protected from doctrinal error by the Holy Spirit. If they were just quick to change a teaching because of the current "socially accepted" norms, that would seem like an incredibly weak church that is prone to error and quick to judgement.

[AllanKoayTC]

i chuckled at the explanation about the word "brother", because it reminds me how we modern folk call each other "Hey, bro!" (or "Hey, bruh!" as it is fashionable to nowadays) but we're not of the same parents. LOL

[angelanelson]

Love these podcasts. I’m a cradle Catholic who went from Catholic Kindergarten through College. I’ve tried to explain the faith to non-Catholics using biblical references, but was never quite able to explain it as well as in these podcasts. I’m learning greater depth of understanding for my own sake, but now am finding greater tools at my fingertips in explaining Catholic teaching. So excited. So grateful. Thank you. Thank God!

[timboslice]

It's crazy, when I was a protestant I thought the Marian dogmas were the wildest part of catholic belief. The toughest part for me was the papacy but when I realized matthew 16 really meant what it looks like it means I was sold. Back to Mary, once you accept the authority of the church....the extra biblical traditions like that aren't nearly as hard to deal with. I'm a big evidence guy and I'm pretty much sold on many of the major apparitions and the tilma. Once you realize mary is the woman in revelation, it gets really hard to just see her as just Jesus' bio mom.

[tonyl]

The early Protestant leaders believed Mary was a perpetual virgin, even as they mocked and rejected Christian vows of virginity.

[dirtysink]

Left protestantism a week ago and joined the universal Church. So many things I am unlearning and re-learning.
This was beautifully put together, thank you and God bless you.

[jmforchrist]

Very well explained. Great job. And for those protestants who still dont understand, remember that the longest journey is from the mind to the heart. And I hope one day they can finally meet. God bless!!!

[darlameeks]

Wow! I have been a Catholic for an entire year and no one has ever explained this to me properly until now. I've listened to Catholic apologist after Catholic apologist and never have they made a convincing argument like this. I felt like I just had to accept it because it's a dogma, so I did...but it still never made sense. Now I understand. Thank you so much!

[BrianGondo]

In my native language (Shona) we simply refer to half-brother/sister, step-brother/sister or cousin(s) as brother(s) or sister(s). You often hear people particularly, my parents generation preface a cousin's name with bhudi (i.e brother) then the name of the person e.g bhudi Joe/brother Joe. So this explanation is not strange at all to someone who is of Shona heritage

[PuzzlesCM]

I’m so glad you brought up the gate! I first learned that at an Orthodox Church about 10 years ago, but haven’t heard any apologists mention it since then. Nice job.

[phishphan]

Joe --- this is literally the best video summary on the subject of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Perpetual Virginity, that I have ever heard. I like your logical approach (first, negative arguments, then positive assertions). The detail is fantastic, for a relatively short consideration. Lots of good points --- some new to me. I am a Catholic, heavily involved in Adult Faith Formation in parishes. I can say, your channel, your approach is among the best.

[Joel-nzoj]

I have never ever heard of a more clearer and precise explanation about Blessed Mary's perpetual virginity 😮😇🙏🙏
I am a Syro-Malabar Catholic who had some doubts about perpetual virginity which have now been answered. God bless you brother...🙏🙏 And may The Lord increase your ministry and viewership a 100 fold😇😇

[robertslusser]

This is probably the best and clearest explanation that I have ever heard for the perpetual virginity of Mary. It's like you took a bottle of Windex to a dirty window and allowed us to truly see what is actually on the other side of the glass. Thank you for clearing up something that I always assumed was a Catholic position about Mary that didn't make any sense, looking at it from a modern "Protestant" view point.

[TheRocksolid]

I enjoyed this. It was very like Aquinas: taking the opposing view and demonstrating it’s strongest arguments and why they fall short, and then demonstrating your position and the reasons for it. Love the content!

[ericholmberg]

I love everyone at CA. Was a huge part of my journey out of the outer court of Protestantism into the holy of holies. But from a purely teaching gifting (imparting wisdom and understanding - 1 Cor. 12:8), Joe is my favorite. This was awesome.

[Faithofthefathers]

Great work brother! I was pumped to see you started a channel. Look forward to seeing more content. I hope you cover the other Marian dogmas as well. I’ve read Tim Staples, Pitre, and working on Gambero now but it’s always great to hear it in video form! Thanks for what you do!

[derrick]

I’m so glad you are doing these in-depth dives like this. Very helpful.

[hyginus]

I love my Catholic teachings. Always have, always will.
Thanks so much for this extraordinarily beautiful and informative video. May God continue to bless you and your works.