BreadOfLife said:
Then which“scholars” are you talking about who translated the Scriptures did so by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Frankly - I've never even heard any Protestant scholars or historians make this claim. The only ones who were "inspired" were the writers of the Bible.
Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingili, Philip Melanchton, John Calvin, John Wesley - they all believed in Mary's perpetual virginity.
Your response did not match what you quoted me as saying, but I remember what you are referring to.
I never said any scholar or historian claimed they believed they were led by the spirit. I said I believed they were. I believe Jerome, Irenaeus and yes, even the Catholic Church was inspired to put the Bible together. Likewise I believe the scholars King James commissioned were inspired in translating it into English. If you wish, I can give you everyone of their names and which part they played.
I believe this due to the Bible saying he would never leave us, that his word will stand forever and that the scripture was written for those on whom the end of the world would come. If you don't agree: fine.
But that has very little to do with our topic.
As for the early Church Fathers... Well, none of the earliest Church Fathers agreed or said Mary remained a virgin. Matthew didn't. Mark didn't. Neither did Luke, John, Peter, Paul and her own son James didn't either! In fact, they showed that Jesus had brothers and sisters.
Of course, you aren't speaking of those folks.As much as I enjoy reading the folks you are talking about, when they say something contrary to the Bible, I will flat out reject it. When they say something not supported by the Bible, I look at it with a skeptical eye.
In other words I don't put as much stock in them as you do. Their belief that Mary was a perpetual virgin is not supported by the Bible. I at least have about a dozen verses to hang my beliefs on.
Others in this thread have attempted to show this theory (at Mary remained a virgin) with the Bible, but frankly I am not convinced by any of them. There is too much assuming going on without Biblical confirmation.
Do I think they were lying? No, I think they were wrong. Good Christians? By all means... But that doesn't mean they were always right.
You mentioned Martin Luther and John Calvin. Do you believe they were always right? I therefore would not be wrong to believe any other could be wrong also.