In Christianity, The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament, which describe the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They include the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and it is estimated that they were written between the years 65 and 100 AD. These four books are generally considered the “canonical gospels” and are the only books to be included in the New Testament, despite the existence of numerous other “apocryphal” gospel writings. One of the most influential apocryphal gospels is the Gospel of James, also sometimes referred to as the Infancy Gospel of James or The Protoevangenlium of James, probably written about AD 150. The Gospel of James introduces the concept of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary, a central belief included in the dogma of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches. These churches believe that Mary was a virgin before she gave birth to Jesus, and remained chaste for the rest of her life, despite her marriage to Joseph.

The Gospel of James contains several stories “proving” Mary’s chastity, including a test performed by a midwife before Jesus’ birth confirming that she was still “intact.” Moreover, the passages concerning the Nativity (Jesus’ birth) state that Mary did not experience any pains from childbirth, because she was not stained with original sin (thanks to her Immaculate Conception). As an explanation for references made to Jesus’ siblings in the canonical gospels, Joseph is described as an older widower, who had sired children with his first wife prior to his accepting “guardianship” over Mary. Therefore, the “brothers” and “sister” mentioned in these texts are thought to be Jesus’ stepsiblings.

The doctrine of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary is considered de fide (essential to the faith) amongst religious denominations that adhere to this belief, with an entire branch of theological study (Mariology) exclusively devoted to studying scripture and teachings concerning Mary. The veneration of Mary is especially prominent in the Roman Catholic Church, especially amongst Latin American worshipers, where Mary’s chastity is revered as a uniquely female expression of holiness, piety and self-sacrifice.

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