#96 Protestants Are Wrong About Mary’s Assumption. Here’s Why: - Joe Heschmeyer
Aug 15, 2024
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Joe Heschmeyer, a knowledgeable speaker tackling objection to the Assumption of Mary, dives into the Catholic dogma that asserts Mary was taken into heaven. He dismantles common Protestant doubts, providing historical and theological foundations for the belief. Heschmeyer critiques misconceptions, particularly the title 'Queen of Heaven,' contrasting it with pagan origins. He discusses Mary’s role as the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing her significance in both early Christian narratives and modern faith, shining a light on the complexities surrounding her Assumption.
The declaration of Mary's assumption as a dogma in 1950 faced skepticism from Protestants who sought biblical foundations for it.
Critics often argue from silence regarding Mary’s assumption, yet the New Testament context suggests that absence does not equate to denial.
The historical belief in Mary's assumption predates the 1950 declaration, highlighting the significance of tradition within the broader Christian narrative.
Deep dives
Historical Context of Mary's Assumption
The declaration of Mary's assumption into heaven as a dogma by the Catholic Church occurred in 1950, making some Protestants skeptical of its biblical and historical validity. Various Protestant arguments against this doctrine often stem from a belief in 'sola scriptura', which posits that all doctrines must be derived from the New Testament. However, the absence of explicit mentions of Mary's death or assumption in the New Testament can be contextualized by considering the timeframe of when the texts were written. Many New Testament authors, writing in the early apostolic period, would not have addressed events that occurred after the time their works were composed, leading to a possible understanding that their silence does not necessarily negate the miraculous event of Mary's assumption.
Arguments from Silence
Several Protestant arguments against the assumption of Mary hinge on silence, asserting that the New Testament does not provide explicit evidence of her ascension. These arguments can be critiqued; for instance, there are notable absences within the New Testament regarding significant events, such as specific post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, which were pivotal for early Christians. Additionally, the early Church itself does not present a comprehensive record of everything it believed or practiced, suggesting that silence does not equate to absence or denial. Thus, the argument from silence can be deemed weak when considering the context in which the New Testament was produced and the selective nature of their narratives.
Theological Implications of Mary's Role
Mary is often referred to as the Ark of the New Covenant, paralleling how the Ark of the Old Covenant carried the presence of God. This correlation suggests that Mary's role as the bearer of Jesus embodies the sanctity and divine dwelling, reinforcing the idea that she shares in the divine experience. Additionally, early Church fathers articulated that just as the Ark was honored and eventually brought to rest, so too, Mary would be assumed into heaven to be with her Son. This theological connection posits that Mary's assumption is not merely a doctrine but is deeply rooted in understanding her unique and elevated role within the salvation narrative.
The Role of Tradition and Early Church Beliefs
Protestant critiques of Mary's assumption often overlook the longstanding traditions held by Orthodox and Catholic Christians, which affirm this doctrine. Historical accounts from the early Church indicate that the belief in Mary's assumption was present long before the 1950 declaration, suggesting that it was not a product of modern Catholicism but rather a cherished belief among early Christians. Events surrounding her tomb, particularly the silence regarding her physical remains, further imply a belief in her heavenly nature. Consequently, the continuity of this belief across different Christian traditions emphasizes the significance of understanding tradition alongside Scripture.
Papal Authority and the Assurance of Truth
Pope Pius XII's proclamation of Mary's assumption in 1950 serves as a definitive conclusion to theological debates surrounding this doctrine, drawing parallels to how the early Church would resolve disputes. The authority of the papacy, acting as a unified voice of the Church, provides clarification in matters of faith that are otherwise open to subjective interpretation. By stating the belief in Mary's assumption, the Pope engages with the collective insights of the Church's history and tradition, regarded as divinely guided. This indicates that the Church's articulation of Mary's assumption is intended not only as a belief but also as a means to strengthen the faith of its followers, building hope in the resurrection for all Christians.
Joe Heschmeyer addresses common objections to the Assumption of Mary, showing why they ultimately fail.
Transcription:
Joe:
Welcome back to Shameless Popery; I’m Joe Heschmeyer. So the assumption of Mary, that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven was not declared a dog bomb the Catholic church until 1950. Some of you watching or listening to this were literally alive when that happened. So I completely understand when Protestants are dubious and say, I don’t think there’s a good biblical or historical case for that dogma. What I want to do today is explore what I think ...
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