Though it was not officially defined as a Roman Catholic doctrine until the mid-19th century, this dogma became popular in the Middle Ages and began to appear often in European art from the late 16th century -- sometimes with prominence given to various astronomical bodies. It is frequently confused with another article of Christian faith. What is it, and what biblical text inspired its artistic form?

my_baby_love

The Immaculate Conception, perhaps. Oct 22 05, 5:36 PM

lanfranco

More information would be appreciated, mbl. Such as the text I requested. Oct 22 05, 6:00 PM

TabbyTom

The dogma of the Immaculate Conception is usually justified by reference to the words of Gabriel at the time of the Annunciation. In the Vulgate these are “Ave, gratia plena” (“Hail, thou that art full of grace”). If Mary had been born, like the rest of mankind, with the taint of original sin, she could not have been “full of grace” at that time, since she had not been baptized. Of course, this interpretation is disputed. The KJV prefers “thou that art highly favoured” for “kecharitomene.” N.B. “Immaculate Conception” refers to the conception of Mary herself, not to the conception or birth of Jesus. Oct 23 05, 2:20 AM

bloomsby

This link, which concedes that there is no direct scriptural evidence for the doctrine, may be useful: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm It sometimes held that St Mary's parents were also born without original sin. The link above notes that: 'St. John Damascene (Or. i Nativ. Deip., n. 2) esteems the supernatural influence of God at the generation of Mary to be so comprehensive that he extends it also to her parents. He says of them that, during the generation, they were filled and purified by the Holy Ghost, and freed from sexual concupiscence'. Oct 23 05, 3:43 AM

my_baby_love

Scripture is generally open to interpretation, that is why there are so many different Christian denominations. The idea the Mary's parents were also born without original sin is interesting but is in no way Roman Catholic doctrine. Oct 23 05, 8:12 AM

lanfranco

I'm feeling generous, so everyone gets a yay -- mbl for first identifying the Immamculate Conception as the subject of the question and TT and bloomsby for useful information. Many people do mistakenly assume that the concept refers to the conception of Christ, and the idea that Mary was immaculately conceived led to the occasional theological (and artistic) notion that her conception was accomplished asexually. However, the artistically-influential text for which I was looking is Revelation 12:1, "a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." This text became identified with the Immaculate Conception, and its astronomical features have appeared in many paintings: http://www.artprints-on-demand.co.uk/noframes/velasquez/immaculate_conception.htm Oct 23 05, 10:50 AM