cej@ll1.UUCP (Chuck Jones MMOCS) (09/20/84)
[Looking for the corners in a round room...] I have a few "trivial" questions about Christianity that I would like to throw out for discussion. (Then we can get back to the regular flaming. :-) ) A. While the Bible never mentions the fact one way or the other (to my understanding), I have heard it put forward the Christ had brothers (and sisters). That he was not an only child, just the eldest. If this is true, the authors of the Bible either though it to be insignificant, or detracting. B. Was Christ married? I have heard some circumstantial evidence on this item. First, a single male was not considered a "man" in his society, and was not allowed to speak publicly. That leads to the conclusion that he must have been before or at the time he started his "public" life. Also, I have heard that his first miracle of changing water to wine took place at HIS OWN WEDDING. Why else would his mother bring the fact that the wine was gone to HIS attention, as if he were expected to do something about it? And, why would the guest compliment him on saving the best wine for last, were it not his wedding? As to his wife? Why was Mary M. following him and his followers everywhere? (As I said, all circumstantial, and hearsay to boot.) C. If Peter was "the rock" upon which Christ built his church, why does the Bible center so much on the writings of Paul, rather than Peter? (I understand that the two had big personal problems once Christ left.) Just something else to discuss. ...mgnetp!ll1!cej Chuck Jones
gkm@hou2b.UUCP (G.MCNEES) (09/21/84)
In answer to your "trivia" questions: A. Christ's brothers and sisters: See Mt.12:46-47;Mk.3:32-33;Gal.1:19. The interpretation of these scriptures varies according to whether one is Roman Catholic or protestant. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary only had one child, Jesus. She remained a virgin. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of the "Immaculate Conception", which is that the Virgin Mary was conceived in her mother's womb free from all stain of original sin. In general, protestants believe that all, including Mary, are born with a sinful nature.(Jesus himself is the only exception- since his father was God.) Thus protestants can interpret the above scriptures as meaning that Jesus had natural brothers and sisters via Joseph his stepfather. Another verse implying this is Mt.1:25: "And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." There are other scriptures that relate to this subject. B. Christ is married and His bride is the church. C. As to the Church being built upon Peter, see Mt.16:18; the Roman Catholic Church teaches that it is built upon Peter. Most protestant churches teach that the church is built upon the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. see Eph. 2:20; ICor. 3:11.