[boatbums]

Why do Catholics want the perpetual virginity to be true so bad? How does it diminish either Christ and His work on the earth, or Mary in the role she played in fulfilling prophecy that after His birth she honorably fulfilled her role as wife to Joseph? Why is Mary diminished in character by having had sex with Joseph and, in obedience to God's command to be fruitful and multiply, bearing him children of their own?

I have pondered that question myself for many years. I think I may know the answer, not saying I am 100% right, but I think it is because their magesterium has declared it as a dogma, a rule of faith, and mandated that all Catholics everywhere MUST accept it or face excommunication. Like we have seen in several different answers here on this thread, some believe all that they are told to and refuse to question the reasons. I believe it is because they know deep in their hearts that if the "Church" got even one thing wrong, then it puts all things on the table that they might be wrong about too. This is what happens when extra-Biblical doctrines are allowed equal footing with the Bible.

I am not really even sure why the "powers that be" came to such an admittedly unprovable statement concerning the perpetual virginity as well as the sinlessness of Mary. The Orthodox at least hold that it is not a rule of faith and they allow liberty to their members on believing it or not.

[metmom]

All that was important was that Mary was a virgin until after the time of her delivery.

Anything after the fact is irrelevant.

But to teach something that unsupportable as absolute truth and threaten people with ex-communication for not believing it demonstrates some serious control issues on SOMEONE’S part.