Is the Assumption of Mary Considered a Scriptural Foundation or Catholic Tradition?

TheAssumption of Mary, often referred to simply as the Assumption, is a significant event in the doctrine of the Catholic Church. It is a tradition that has been known and believed for centuries. However, is it considered to be a scriptural foundation by the Catholic Church? To answer this, we need to explore the role of scripture versus tradition in Catholic doctrine.

Scripture and Tradition in Catholic Belief

The Catholic Church emphasizes both scripture and tradition as sources of divine revelation. While the 73 books of the Bible are considered infallible when properly interpreted, the Church recognizes that God's revelation also comes through oral traditions and other means.

At a Catholic college, I was taught that Catholic belief is based on tradition both oral and written. The Bible, of course, is a written tradition. Unlike fundamentalism, which is based solely on scripture, the Catholic Church accepts oral traditions that have come down from the earliest times. The Assumption of Mary is one such tradition that has stood the test of time.

Biblical Support for the Assumption of Mary

Despite the tradition of the Assumption of Mary, it is not explicitly supported by scripture. For example, in the letter to the Romans (5:12), Paul states, 'Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because all sinned.' This implies that Mary, as a human, was also a sinner, which aligns with the requirement for a purification offering at the temple in Luke 2:22-24. Mary presented a purification offering for the birth of Jesus, which was a custom according to Mosaic law.

Furthermore, the Bible indicates that bodies do not go to heaven. Mary would have had to repeat the purification ritual for every child she gave birth to, which includes daughters. Genesis 2:7 states, 'The man became a living person.' According to the Bible, only souls or spirits go to heaven, not physical bodies.

The Role of Mary's Son, Jesus, and the Assumption

Mary's role as a disciple of Jesus is well-documented in scripture. She was present during Jesus' ministry and observed his divine nature. For instance, in Matthew 22:37-38, she witnessed Jesus as the one to be worshipped, her Father. She was also present when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the 120 disciples in an upper room, fulfilling Joel's prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 (Acts 2:14).

Although Jesus' body was not allowed to decay (Psalm 16:10), it was crucial for the redemption of humanity. Jesus, as the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead (Revelation 1:5), came to do the will of God, Yahweh. After his death, his body stayed on earth, and did not decamp to the spiritual realm because flesh and blood cannot enter there. The same reasoning applies to Mary's body, which would also return to dust after her death.

Traditional Beliefs About the Assumption of Mary

The Assumption of Mary is a significant event that is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Unlike certainscriptural teachings, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. Instead, it is a belief that has been passed down through generations and is celebrated within the Catholic Church.

Scripturally, the Assumption can be seen as a tradition that complements the teachings of the Bible. It is not founded on explicit scriptural commands but rather on the interpretation of the teachings and traditions passed down through the centuries. The Catholic Church has defined the Assumption as a dogma, thus confirming its place in Catholic doctrine, even without explicit scriptural support.

Conclusion

The Assumption of Mary is an important tradition in the Catholic Church, but it does not stand as a explicitly scriptural foundation. It is a tradition that has been recognized and respected within the Church's long-standing doctrines. The Bible offers guidance, and while it does not explicitly support the Assumption, it does provide context and support for it within the broader context of Christian belief.

For those seeking to understand the Assumption of Mary, it is crucial to look at both scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. By combining these sources, one can gain a fuller understanding of the event and its significance within the Christian faith.