Mary’s camp hides behind passages that seem to support their claims and alleged truths through progressive revelations supposedly given here and there by the Holy Spirit, for instance: “He answered and said unto them: “because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given.” Matt. 13:11, “And he said: “unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God : but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” Luke 8:10

Whereas their opponents, who cling inappropriately and verbally only to “Sola Scriptura", arm themselves with this type of passages, while selling “salvation” over the TV, Internet, through books and from the pulpit, for the highest bidder, with no guarantee, let alone a warranty, for any return whatsoever:

 

-          “In whom you also (trusted), after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Eph 1:13.

-          “To whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus”  Col:1:27-28.

-          “Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.” Col. 4:3-4.

-          “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:7

The contention about the brothers and sisters of Jesus stems from few facts and fears, which might undermine the counterclaims of those who advocate against and for the belief in the existence of brothers and sisters, summarized into three main categories:

1-      Linguistic & Textual

A)               The lack of consensus on defining the Greek terms associated with the word “Brother”, “Brethren” more than with “Sisters”,

B)               The intended use and definition for the term “Knew Her”, and other terms,

C)               The Sharp disagreement over the interpretation of use of “Firstborn”.

2-      Traditions & Hold Beliefs

A)               The Jewish customs of calling the child by his/her mother’s name, when the husband has more than one wife in his household.

B)               The speculations, claims and counterclaims of the so-called Mainstream and Reform fathers, scholars and theologians of the different Christian Churches .

3-      Doctrinal & Devotional

A)               Undermining the belief in the Immaculate Conception, Virgin Birth, Mary perpetual chastity, Original Sin, sinless, wages of sin, death and Mary’s assumed ascension, etc.,

B)               Mariology and Mariolatry: veneration of Mary to the extent of worship.