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Study Guide: The Dogma of the Assumption of Mary: Theology, History, and Observances

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The Dogma of the Assumption of Mary: Theology, History, and Observances Study Guide

Theological Doctrine of the Assumption

The dogma of the Assumption of Mary was formally defined by the Catholic Church in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dogma of the Assumption was formally defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950, not in the 18th century.

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The dogma of the Assumption posits that Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory following the completion of her earthly life.

Answer: True

Explanation: The dogma explicitly states that Mary, having completed her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

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The dogma of the Assumption explicitly clarifies whether Mary experienced death prior to her bodily assumption.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dogma leaves open the question of whether Mary died before being assumed or was raised without dying.

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The term 'Assumption' in reference to Mary originates from the Greek word 'theotokos'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Assumption' derives from the Latin word *assumptio*, meaning 'taking up,' not from the Greek 'theotokos' (God-bearer).

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The mortalistic interpretation of the Assumption posits that Mary was assumed into heaven without first experiencing death.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mortalistic interpretation suggests Mary died a natural death before her assumption, whereas the immortalistic interpretation posits she was assumed without dying.

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The immortalistic interpretation posits that Mary was assumed into heaven bodily without first experiencing death.

Answer: True

Explanation: This interpretation holds that Mary was taken directly into heaven without undergoing death.

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Assumption as a unique participation in Christ's Ascension.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Catechism describes the Assumption as a singular participation in Christ's Resurrection, not His Ascension.

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The mortalistic interpretation of the Assumption suggests Mary was assumed without experiencing death.

Answer: False

Explanation: This description aligns with the immortalistic interpretation; the mortalistic interpretation posits that Mary died before being assumed.

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The Assumption doctrine was formally defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950 via the apostolic constitution *Munificentissimus Deus*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption as dogma on November 1, 1950, through the apostolic constitution *Munificentissimus Deus*.

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The dogma of the Assumption specifies that Mary died a natural death before being assumed.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dogma does not specify whether Mary died before her assumption; this remains an open theological question within Catholicism.

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The Assumption doctrine was formally defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950 via the apostolic constitution *Munificentissimus Deus*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption as dogma on November 1, 1950, through the apostolic constitution *Munificentissimus Deus*.

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What is the dogma of the Assumption of Mary?

Answer: The belief that Mary was assumed into heaven body and soul after her earthly life.

Explanation: The dogma defines the Assumption as Mary's bodily and spiritual elevation into heavenly glory upon completion of her earthly life.

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Who defined the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of the Catholic Church?

Answer: Pope Pius XII

Explanation: Pope Pius XII formally defined the Assumption as a dogma of faith in 1950.

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What aspect regarding Mary's end of life does the dogma of the Assumption leave open to interpretation?

Answer: Whether she died before being assumed or was raised without dying.

Explanation: The dogma does not mandate a specific view on whether Mary experienced death prior to her assumption into glory.

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The word 'Assumption' comes from the Latin word *assumptio*, which means:

Answer: Taking Up

Explanation: The Latin term *assumptio* directly translates to 'taking up,' referring to Mary's bodily and spiritual elevation into heaven.

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The Catholic understanding of Mary's Assumption emphasizes her participation in:

Answer: Christ's Resurrection

Explanation: The Assumption is seen as a unique participation in Christ's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of other believers.

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Which interpretation of the Assumption suggests Mary died a natural death before being taken up?

Answer: The Mortalistic Interpretation

Explanation: The mortalistic view holds that Mary experienced death before her body and soul were assumed into heaven.

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The dogma of the Assumption was defined by Pope Pius XII through which document?

Answer: *Munificentissimus Deus*

Explanation: The apostolic constitution *Munificentissimus Deus* (1950) formally promulgated the dogma of the Assumption of Mary.

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What is the Catholic understanding of Mary's Assumption in relation to other Christians?

Answer: It is an anticipation of the resurrection other Christians hope to share.

Explanation: The Assumption is viewed as a singular instance that foreshadows the future resurrection and glorification promised to all faithful Christians.

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Historical Roots and Apocryphal Traditions

The *Liber Requiei Mariae* is considered by scholars to be among the earliest known narratives detailing the end of Mary's life.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholars, such as Stephen J. Shoemaker, identify the *Liber Requiei Mariae* as potentially the first known narrative addressing Mary's end of life and assumption.

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The *Six Books Dormition Apocryphon* provides evidence for an early Marian cult appearing subsequent to the Council of Ephesus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Six Books Dormition Apocryphon* predates the Council of Ephesus, offering evidence of an early Marian cult appearing approximately a century before the council.

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Epiphanius of Salamis definitively stated in the 4th century that Mary died prior to her assumption.

Answer: False

Explanation: Epiphanius of Salamis noted in the late 4th century that there was no authorized tradition regarding Mary's end of life and that opinions differed, rather than making a definitive statement about her death.

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The earliest known artistic representation of the Dormition dates to the 12th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest known artistic representation of the Dormition is found on a sarcophagus in Zaragoza, Spain, dating to approximately AD 330.

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Following the Reformation, the Assumption became a prominent subject in Western art, often serving to affirm Catholic doctrine.

Answer: True

Explanation: The visual representation of the Assumption was utilized in post-Reformation Western art to reinforce Catholic teachings on Mary's status.

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The Assumption became a popular subject in Western art primarily before the 12th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Assumption gained significant popularity as a subject in Western art from the 12th century onwards.

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Which early text is considered by Stephen J. Shoemaker to be the first known narrative about Mary's end of life and assumption?

Answer: The Liber Requiei Mariae

Explanation: Stephen J. Shoemaker identifies the *Liber Requiei Mariae* (Obsequies of the Virgin) as potentially the earliest known narrative concerning Mary's end of life and assumption.

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The *Six Books Dormition Apocryphon* provides evidence for an early Marian cult appearing approximately when?

Answer: Mid-4th century

Explanation: This apocryphal text, likely dating to the mid-4th century, offers significant evidence for the existence of a Marian cult prior to the Council of Ephesus.

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What did Epiphanius of Salamis note about traditions concerning Mary's end of life in the late 4th century?

Answer: He stated there was no authorized tradition and opinions differed.

Explanation: Epiphanius acknowledged the lack of a definitive, authorized tradition regarding Mary's end of life, indicating varying views existed during his time.

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When did the feast of the Dormition arrive in the West and begin to be called Assumption?

Answer: Early 7th century, name change in 9th century

Explanation: The feast arrived in the West in the early 7th century, and the name 'Assumption' began appearing in some liturgical calendars by the 9th century.

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Which artist caused controversy with his depiction of the Assumption, portraying Mary as a decaying corpse?

Answer: Caravaggio

Explanation: Caravaggio's realistic and somber depiction of Mary's Assumption, showing her as a corpse, was highly controversial and rejected by patrons.

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In some Assumption narratives, the Apostle Thomas drops his girdle from heaven to prove:

Answer: Mary's bodily Assumption

Explanation: The miraculous dropping of the girdle by Thomas serves as a sign confirming Mary's bodily assumption into heaven.

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The earliest known artistic representation of the Dormition was found on a sarcophagus in:

Answer: Zaragoza, Spain

Explanation: The earliest known artistic depiction of the Dormition theme originates from a sarcophagus discovered in Zaragoza, Spain, dating to circa AD 330.

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Which artist's controversial depiction of the Assumption showed Mary as a corpse, causing a stir?

Answer: Caravaggio

Explanation: Caravaggio's highly realistic portrayal of Mary as a decaying corpse in his Assumption painting generated significant controversy and was ultimately rejected.

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The Assumption became a popular subject in Western art from which century onwards?

Answer: 12th century

Explanation: Artistic depictions of the Assumption gained considerable traction and frequency in Western art beginning in the 12th century.

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Biblical and Theological Foundations

The biblical passage in Revelation 12:1-2, describing a 'woman clothed with the sun', is frequently cited as a primary scriptural basis for the Assumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: This passage has been interpreted symbolically by theologians, including Father Jugie, as representing Mary and supporting the doctrine of her Assumption.

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Genesis 3:15, foretelling the offspring of the woman crushing the serpent's head, is interpreted by some theologians as confirmation of Mary's role and eventual Assumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: This verse is often linked to Mary as the 'New Eve,' whose obedience countered Eve's disobedience and foreshadowed her ultimate triumph, aligning with her Assumption.

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The Ark of the Covenant being taken into God's resting place, as mentioned in Psalm 132:8, is cited as a theological precedent supporting the Assumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: This passage is used analogously, suggesting that Mary, as the Ark of the New Covenant, would similarly be taken into God's presence.

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Elisabeth of Schönau, a 12th-century nun, described Mary being assumed into Heaven body and soul in her theological writings.

Answer: True

Explanation: In her work *Visio de resurrectione beate virginis Mariae*, Elisabeth of Schönau detailed visions of Mary's bodily and spiritual assumption into heaven.

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The biblical passage in Luke 1:28, 'Hail Mary, full of grace', is cited as support for the Assumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary's unique status as 'full of grace' is often seen as indicative of her special destiny, including her Assumption.

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Which biblical figures are commonly cited as precedents for Mary's Assumption?

Answer: Enoch and Elijah

Explanation: Enoch, who was 'taken' by God, and Elijah, who was carried to heaven in a whirlwind, are frequently cited as Old Testament figures whose experiences foreshadow Mary's Assumption.

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The interpretation of Genesis 3:15 as support for the Assumption links Mary to which concept?

Answer: The New Eve

Explanation: Mary's role in bringing forth the Messiah, and her obedience at the Annunciation, leads to her being identified as the 'New Eve' who overcomes the consequences of the original Eve's disobedience.

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Which 12th-century nun described Mary being assumed into Heaven body and soul in her visions?

Answer: Elisabeth of Schönau

Explanation: Elisabeth of Schönau, a German nun, documented her visions which included descriptions of Mary's bodily and spiritual assumption into heaven.

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Which biblical passage is cited by some theologians as a chief scriptural witness for the Assumption?

Answer: Revelation 12:1-2

Explanation: The description of the 'woman clothed with the sun' in Revelation 12:1-2 is frequently interpreted as symbolic of Mary and supportive of her Assumption.

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Comparative Perspectives: Catholic and Orthodox Views

In Eastern Christianity, the theological concept analogous to the Assumption is known as the Dormition of the Mother of God.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Eastern Orthodox tradition refers to this event as the Dormition, or the 'Falling Asleep' of the Mother of God.

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In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Dormition feast is preceded by a 14-day fast.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dormition fast, observed for two weeks leading up to August 15th, is a significant preparatory period in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

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The Orthodox belief is that Mary's soul was received by Christ, her body resurrected, and then she was taken up into heaven bodily.

Answer: True

Explanation: This sequence—death, reception of soul by Christ, bodily resurrection, and then bodily assumption—is the Orthodox understanding of the Dormition.

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What is the Eastern Christian equivalent belief to the Assumption called?

Answer: The Dormition of the Mother of God

Explanation: In Eastern Christianity, the event is known as the Dormition, signifying the 'falling asleep' of the Mother of God.

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How do Eastern Orthodox Christians believe Mary's end of life occurred?

Answer: She died a natural death, her soul was received by Christ, her body resurrected, and then taken up.

Explanation: The Orthodox tradition holds that Mary experienced a natural death, followed by the resurrection of her body and her subsequent assumption into heaven.

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What is the significance of the 'Falling Asleep' in the Orthodox Dormition tradition?

Answer: It emphasizes Mary's natural death before her body was resurrected and taken up.

Explanation: The term 'Dormition' highlights Mary's death as a natural human experience, preceding her bodily resurrection and assumption.

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What is the significance of the Assumption feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Answer: It is called the Dormition and emphasizes Mary's death and resurrection.

Explanation: In Orthodoxy, the feast is known as the Dormition and underscores Mary's death, resurrection, and subsequent assumption, viewed as an anticipation of the general resurrection.

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Cultural and Liturgical Observances

The traditional date for the Feast of the Assumption is December 25th.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Feast of the Assumption is traditionally celebrated on August 15th.

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The feast day of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15th in the Catholic Church.

Answer: True

Explanation: August 15th is the established date for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church.

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In Bulgaria, the Feast of the Assumption is considered a minor summer celebration.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Bulgaria, the Feast of the Assumption is regarded as the most significant summer celebration of the Holy Virgin.

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For Acadians in Canada, Assumption Day is their National Day, with Mary as their patroness.

Answer: True

Explanation: August 15th serves as the Fête Nationale of the Acadians, who venerate Mary, assumed into Heaven, as their patroness.

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The Maronite Church celebrates the Assumption of Mary on December 8th.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maronite Church, like many others, celebrates the Assumption of Mary on August 15th.

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Patoleo, a type of sweet rice cake, is central to the Assumption feast celebration among Goan Catholics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The preparation and consumption of Patoleo are significant cultural elements of the Assumption feast for Goan Catholics.

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In Costa Rica and parts of Belgium, the Feast of the Assumption is combined with Mother's Day.

Answer: True

Explanation: In these regions, the August 15th observance integrates the celebration of Mary with the broader observance of motherhood.

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On what date is the Feast of the Assumption traditionally celebrated?

Answer: August 15th

Explanation: The Solemnity of the Assumption is observed annually on August 15th.

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What is the origin of the Italian name 'Ferragosto' for the August 15th holiday?

Answer: From the Latin 'Feriae Augusti', meaning 'Holidays of Augustus'

Explanation: The name 'Ferragosto' is believed to derive from the Roman *Feriae Augusti*, a period of rest and celebration established by Emperor Augustus.

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In which regions is the custom of blessing herbs associated with the Assumption feast?

Answer: German-speaking and some Slavic countries

Explanation: The tradition of blessing herbs on or around the Assumption feast is observed in German-speaking regions and certain Slavic countries.

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The 'Frauendrüger' custom is related to the Assumption feast and lasts until which other feast day?

Answer: The Feast of the Nativity of Mary

Explanation: The custom, associated with the potency of herbs, extends from the Assumption feast until the Feast of the Nativity of Mary on September 8th.

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In Bulgaria, the Feast of the Assumption is considered:

Answer: The most significant summer celebration of the Holy Virgin

Explanation: The Feast of the Assumption holds considerable importance in Bulgaria, marking the principal summer celebration dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

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For Acadians in Canada, August 15th is known as:

Answer: La Fête Nationale des Acadiens

Explanation: August 15th is celebrated as the National Day of the Acadians, honoring Mary as their patroness.

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The celebration of the Assumption feast among Goan Catholics prominently features:

Answer: Patoleo (sweet rice cakes)

Explanation: Patoleo, a traditional sweet rice cake, holds a central place in the Assumption feast celebrations for Goan Catholics.

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In Costa Rica and parts of Belgium, the Feast of the Assumption is combined with which other celebration?

Answer: Mother's Day

Explanation: In these regions, the August 15th observance coincides with Mother's Day, linking the veneration of Mary with the celebration of motherhood.

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What is the significance of the Assumption feast being a public holiday in many countries?

Answer: It highlights the importance of Mary in Christian tradition and culture.

Explanation: The designation of August 15th as a public holiday in numerous nations underscores the significant cultural and religious standing of Mary in Christian societies.

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The Maronite Church celebrates the Assumption on August 15th, referring to it as:

Answer: The Assumption of the Holy Mother of God

Explanation: In the Maronite tradition, the August 15th feast is known as the 'Assumption of the Holy Mother of God'.

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Ecumenical and Protestant Views

Lutheran Churches observe August 15th as the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lutheran Churches celebrate August 15th as the Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord, rather than explicitly the 'Assumption of the Virgin Mary'.

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The 'Seattle Statement' was an official declaration by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission regarding the Assumption.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Seattle Statement' was a non-authoritative declaration by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, not an official decree.

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Most Protestants accept the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary as dogma.

Answer: False

Explanation: Views on the Assumption vary among Protestants, but most do not accept it as a dogma.

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The Armenian Apostolic Church observes the Assumption on August 15th, the same date as the Western Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Armenian Apostolic Church typically observes the Assumption on the Sunday nearest to August 15th.

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The Lutheran Church rejected the Feast of the Assumption entirely after the Reformation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lutheran Church retained the feast, often celebrating it as 'Mary, Mother of Our Lord,' viewing it as pious speculation rather than dogma.

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The 'Seattle Statement' concluded that the doctrines of the Assumption and Immaculate Conception are consonant with Scripture.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2004 'Seattle Statement' suggested that these Marian doctrines, when understood within a biblical framework, align with Scripture and ancient traditions.

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Which of the following churches celebrates August 15th as the Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord?

Answer: Lutheran Churches

Explanation: Lutheran Churches observe August 15th as the Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord, acknowledging her significance while not formally adopting the dogma of Assumption.

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What is the general Protestant view on the Assumption of Mary?

Answer: Views differ, but most do not accept it as dogma.

Explanation: While some Protestant traditions may hold veneration for Mary, the Assumption is not typically accepted as a core doctrine or dogma.

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The Armenian Apostolic Church observes the Assumption on:

Answer: The Sunday nearest to August 15th

Explanation: The Armenian Apostolic Church typically celebrates the Assumption on the Sunday that falls closest to August 15th.

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Which statement best describes the views of Protestants on the Assumption?

Answer: Some Anglo-Catholic traditions have revived the feast, but most Protestants do not hold it as dogma.

Explanation: While the Assumption is not a core Protestant doctrine, some Anglo-Catholic elements within Anglicanism observe the feast, though mainstream Protestant denominations generally do not accept it as dogma.

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