I think it's a pretty normal question, Terry. I think the discussions about the eternal Sonship could very well lead someone to wonder about eternal Motherhood.
I don't think Mary was before, or eternal. I think she was the human who was chosen by God to be the vessel His Son would be born from. Just like Moses was the vessel who freed the Israelites. I think Mary died, just like we do; I don't think she was a perpetual virgin, as she had other children with her husband. I think the virgin birth was a miracle, much the same as Sarah becoming impregnated after menopause was a miracle. If a woman who no longer has a Niddah cycle can have a baby, why not a virgin? I don't think Mary even realized the Holy Spirit had come upon her, but I can't be sure. I wasn't there! :)
Kay
Amen, Kay
And don't you imagine that the doctrine of the virgin Mary (RCC) came from the same concern expressed by Terry. It is his only expressed reason for disbelieving the idea of eternal Sonship. It must have been, for RCC, a necessary inference to the the idea of God being the Father of Jesus. Can't be a Father without a mother. Right? That is the question Terry should be asking, as well. News flash -- THERE IS NO MOTHER. The eternal Sonship fo Christ is not the only doctrine effected -- the eternal Fatherhood of God\, likewise. He is our ONLY parent. I do not understand that -- but I do accept it.
John
Actually,
