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From: gkm@hou2b.UUCP (G.MCNEES)
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Re: "Trivia" questions about Christianity
Message-ID: <338@hou2b.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 21-Sep-84 10:28:58 EDT
Article-I.D.: hou2b.338
Posted: Fri Sep 21 10:28:58 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 25-Sep-84 21:05:38 EDT
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Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
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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.