The Assumption of Mary and Idealism

"By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory."

Pope Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus, 1950, Ex Cathedra

In the framework of Substance Dualism, there exists a fundamental distinction between material and immaterial. Common wisdom has it that Heaven is a purely immaterial place, making material bodies in Heaven logically impossible. Given such arguments, how could the material body of Mary be Assumed into Heaven with her?

In the framework of Idealism, all things exist fundamentally as information in the mind of God. Nothing is fundamentally "material" in the absolute metaphysical sense. Given only that God willed it, the Assumption of Mary makes perfect sense!

On these grounds, the Doctrine of the Assumption of Mary supports Idealism over Substance Dualism. For a more detailed argument in favor of Idealism, see "The Clarification of Metaphysics."

Objection 1: "Where in the Bible does it say Mary was Assumed?"

This objection assumes Sola Scriptura, which is a heresy. The correct approach is not Sola Scriptura, but rather, Prima Scriptura. Scripture does hold first priority but does not stand alone.

In addition to the Bible, one must also acknowledge declarations of Popes and Church Councils across the centuries. The writings of Saints also carry weight. The Assumption of Mary was already taught by the Church long before Pope Pius XII clarified and acknowledged it as a Dogma.

A document called Liber Requiei Mariae (Book of the Repose of Mary) describes the Dormition and Assumption from at least as early as the 3rd Century. The doctrine was subsequently reaffirmed in the 8th Century writings of Saint John of Damascus.

Objection 2: "You're worshiping Mary! How dare you!"

First of all, the Assumption of Mary does not make Mary a goddess. It only means that God willed for her to be Assumed into Heaven. God also willed that she be made a worthy vessel for him (Immaculate Conception) and eventually that the vessel of Mary be used to carry him (Virgin Conception).

Second, if one refers to images, it is perfectly ethical to worship God through them. It is only idolatry if one worships the images themselves. The Second Council of Nicea ruled on that very topic in 787.

Quod Erat Demonstrandum.