I recently read online that Martin Luther believed and taught both the Perpetual Virginity and Immaculate Conception of Mary. Is this true? If so, Does WELS affirm these beliefs about Mary?
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Luther did not believe Mary was without sin. In German it was common to refer to her as heilige Jungfrau (holy virgin) but this no different than referring to St. Paul or St. Peter. It also emphasizes that she remained a virgin till Jesus' birth. In Latin Mary was comnonly called semper virgini (always virgin). This was interchangeable in usage with heilige Jungfrau.
There are three theories about Jesus' "brothers and sisters." 1) They were children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus. 2) They were children of Joseph from a previous marriage. 3) They were cousins of Jesus. Catholics believe theories 2 or 3 for doctrinal reasons. Luther seems to have retained this traditional belief without accepting the sinlessness of Mary. Most WELS teachers believe theory 1 explains the biblical evidence. This is considered an open question.
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