The Controversy of the Immaculate Conception

The controversy over the Immaculate Conception concerns whether Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin from the moment of her own conception. Many Catholics believe she was specially chosen and preserved from sin to prepare her to be the mother of Jesus. However, some Protestant groups and others challenge this, arguing that it isn't explicitly stated in the Bible and that it diminishes Christ’s role in salvation. The Catholic Church officially declared the Immaculate Conception a dogma in 1854, affirming its theological importance, but debate remains among different Christian traditions.