Hi Jason,
You wrote, "You already answered the question, Carson. 'which symbolized conversion from sin to God'. If it is symbolic (doesn't this go against the catholic definition of baptism, BTW?)"
Jesus was baptized with John's baptism, which was a baptism of repentance. It was symbolic and different from the Baptism of Jesus. Jesus' baptism gives the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 19:1ff.
then it can be done only to show others to do it....symbolism works on many, many levels.
Yes, that explains why Jesus was baptized, but it doesn't take away from the fact that Jesus was baptized with a baptism for repentance even though he didn't need it. So, in order to require Mary to have sin when she offers a sin offering is a requirement that, if applied here, would require Jesus to have sin if he is baptized with a baptism of repentance.
Therefore, the requirement is nullified by extension.
Hi Curtis,
You wrote, "You post your links in vain. I have a KJV, and that is where I get my teachings, even the ones concerning Mary ... Why isn't the Bible good enough for you?"
Posting a generalized catch-all reply like the one above without engaging in the specifics of a dialogue that is already in motion takes us nowhere. I urge you to respond to my post above, which is a reply to your own. Dialogue is a conversation, not a monologue.
The Bible is good enough for me, and it isn't good enough for me. It is good enough for me in the sense that it is God's Word, but it isn't good enough for me in that Christ founded a Church, not a Bible, and God's Word isn't restricted to your KJV, but it includes authentic Tradition. The Bible must also be interpreted correctly. The link that I posted "in vain" above shows, from your KJV, how Mary is blessed precisely because of her faith. But, of course, you first need to stop chanting Fundamentalist mantras and listen to me. As long as you fail to listen, we will go nowhere, and both of us are wasting our time here.
God bless,
Carson