Mary, mother of Jesus
Today many Christians commemorate the Assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus. While Lutheran beliefs regarding Mary differ slightly from those avowed by Catholics or Eastern Orthodox Christians, as part of the body of Christ we join in giving thanks for this remarkable woman. Here's an interesting article about the development of beliefs regarding the assumption -- and about the dire straits faced by many Middle Eastern Christians today.
Detail of the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan Van Eyck [Source]
The Virgin Mary by El Greco [Source]
There is no "slightly differing" views on this topic. There is no biblical indication that Mary experienced a bodily assumption into Heaven.
ReplyDeleteUsing the term "slightly" might have generated too much nuance -- you're correct, Lutherans (including me) differ theologically in our understanding of Mary from Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians in many ways, the doctrine of the assumption significant among them. We do recognize Mary's importance, and honor her on August 15. I enjoy learning -- and sharing -- how different theological beliefs have developed over time, but I don't want to leave an inaccurate impression of my own or of Lutheran belief. Thanks for reading, and for your comment.
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