Challenging Silence: The Historical Context of Mary's Assumption

Arguments from silence present a weak foundation for claims regarding the Assumption of Mary. The absence of reference to this event in the writings of New Testament authors does not necessarily indicate it didn't occur, as shown by similar instances where significant events, such as resurrection appearances, were not documented. First-century authors, constrained by the laborious process of writing and the high cost of production, often omitted details. Furthermore, while some early Christians might not have explicitly mentioned the Assumption, it is erroneous to claim it was entirely unknown in the early church. Arguments citing the 1950 official recognition of Mary's Assumption fail to recognize that doctrinal definitions often arise in response to controversy rather than as new concepts. Thus, a lack of earlier explicit documentation does not equate to lack of historical roots or acceptance within the faith community.