Mary lifted into Heaven

[toalisi]

My young niece asked me if it was true that the Virgin Mary was physically lifted into heaven.

I blustered a bit as I was not really sure of the basis of her question.
Is there a reference to this 'event' in the Bible?
Who lifted her for instance?

Any pointers please?

[grasscarp]

If you scorn a belief you are attacking the person who holds that belief. I will not venture on this section again as I find it so anti religion. It has the wrong name as it stands. Perhaps there should be another section for atheists and agnostics.

[Khandro]

I agree with grasscarp's statement "If you believe in anything religious then you are open to taunts and ridicule." but would further add that it is not necessary to 'believe' in something to be interested in it. To gain a fuller understanding of European art it is axiomatic that one requires knowledge Catholic dogma.

[jomifl]

Khandro, I agree with you about 'gaining a fuller understanding', though of course a knowledge of Catholic dogma, witchcraft or any other religion is (probably) not necessary for a better understanding of science.

[naomi24]

Grasscarp, //If you scorn a belief you are attacking the person who holds that belief.//

Does that work both ways? Are people who scorn atheism attacking atheists?

[Khandro]

jomifl; "religion is (probably) not necessary for a better understanding of science." You are (probably) correct, but I believe that even the fiercest atheists can still learn something from religions, since they contain rituals and ideas that are useful, interesting, and consoling, and can teach us how better to organise our societies, (and might even make a person into a better scientist!).

[mibn2cweus]

This thread is yet one more shining example of, if you can't refute the message, attempt to shame the messenger into silence. Naomi has not only answered the (and several other ancillary) question/s eloquently but (once more) deserves "Best Answer" . . . imo.

[naomi24]

Khandro, //I believe that even the fiercest atheists can still learn something from religions//

I suspect many of them have learnt rather a lot from religion - hence their atheism.

Mibs, thank you. I would dearly love someone here to offer a reasoned argument, but since that is not forthcoming the only response, as usual, is an attempt to silence. MTH. :o)