| The Mary's Immaculate Conception story puzzled me ever since I was young. Christians don't seem to have a problem with the concept that Jesus was born of the Immaculate Conception. From what is written in Matt. 1:20 > "that which is conceived in Mary is of the Holy Spirit." and Mary discovered that she was pregnant in a culture where she could be stoned to death. It is written that she say said, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" > Luke 1:34. Jesus is not the only savior/deity that has the reputation of being born of a virgin. A couple of examples are Mithra and Attis and their are more.
Persian Pagan Religion: > Mithra was a Persian savior. Worship of Mithra became common throughout the Roman Empire, particularly among the Roman civil service and military. Mithraism was a competitor of Christianity until the 4th century. Their god was believed to have been born on Dec-25, circa 500 BCE. His birth was witnessed by shepherds and by gift-carrying Magi. During his life, he performed many miracles, cured many illnesses, and cast out devils. He celebrated a Last Supper with his 12 disciples. He ascended to heaven at the time of the spring equinox, about March 21.
Roman Pagan Religion: > Attis was a son of the virgin Nana. His birth was celebrated on Dec-25. He was sacrificed as an adult in order to bring salvation to mankind. He died about Mar-25, after being crucified on a tree, and descended for three days into the underworld. On Sunday, he arose, as the solar deity for the new season. His followers tied an image of Attis to a tree on "Black Friday," and carried him in a procession to the temple. His body was symbolically eaten by his followers in the form of bread.
The Roman Empire's belief systems had a great influence in saying how Jesus was conceived and when He was born.
It is written "that which is conceived in Mary is of the Holy Spirit." and Christians believe this to the Immaculate Conception that is without a human male sperm impergnating the egg in Mary. Also this conclusion come from that Mary said, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" > Luke 1:34.
Lets examine the Christian belief that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary without her consent. The reason I say, "without her consent" is that it is written, "How can this be?" --- 'God is Holy and God is Spirit' > John 4:24 What is the Christian definition of being Holy? The definition holiness is same wether it's attibuted to man or spirit. The Spirit or the Man that impregnated Mary 'without her consent' is in violation of any form of holiness and those that do believe that was an act of holiness are very much in error. Mary was not impregnated by the Holy Spirit or a Holy Man, but it's very understandable a man took advantage of Mary without her having any knowledge what has occurred to her. What may have happened is that a man found Mary in a deep sleep and he gently impregnated her without her having any knowledge of this occurrence. This why it is written that Mary said, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
The book of the genealogy of Jesus is written in the beginning of 'The Gospel According to Matthew'. From Abraham to David and down to Jesus are 42 generations. "Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus" As written, the genealogy (DNA) of Jesus is through Joseph all the way back to Abraham.
Attention Christians; The Holy Spirit did not become united with Jesus until He had been baptized at the Jordan river as written in Matt. 3:16 -17, Mark 1:10 -11, Luke 3:22, and John 1:29 - 34. Jesus saw the Spirit of God which is the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon Him. A voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased." It was at this time that the Holy Spirit came down to be united with Jesus. Because of this event Jesus was called the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, the Anointed One, and the Christ which means the Messiah. This is when "the Word became united flesh/human and dwelt among us, > John 1:1-14 > "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." --- "And the Word became flesh/human and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father." > John 1:1-14 |