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Definition:
In Christianity, the Assumption is the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was
"assumed" bodily up into heaven without dying. This doctrine exists in both Eastern
and Western Christianity and its earliest reference can be found in the fourth
century but it was not accepted by orthodox groups until about the seventh century.
It was made official doctrine in the West when Pope Pius XII issued the papal bull Munificentissimus Deus and is the only dogma proclaimed since 1870 on the basis of papal infallibility. As a consequence, non-acceptance of this dogma results in excommunication. According to that bull:
This truth is based upon Sacred Scripture ...it has received the approval of liturgical worship from the earliest times, it is perfectly in keeping with the rest of revealed truth.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
