Virgin birth affirmed in the creeds and Articles
Anglican theology affirms the virginal conception and birth of Jesus Christ as taught in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, both of which are received as authoritative in Anglican churches. The Thirty-Nine Articles (Article II) confess that the Son took human nature 'of the Substance of the Virgin Mary.' The Book of Common Prayer's collects and lectionary readings for Advent and Christmas presuppose and celebrate the miraculous birth of Christ.
Within the broad church tradition, some liberal Anglican theologians have questioned the biological virginity of Mary as a literal historical event, preferring a more symbolic or theological interpretation. However, the official formularies of Anglican churches — the creeds and Articles — unambiguously affirm it. The virginal conception is understood as the means by which God entered human history in the person of his Son, distinguishing Christ from fallen humanity while uniting him with it.
Key Distinctions
- Affirmed literally:
- yes — Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit without a human father
- Theological significance:
- confirms Christ's divine origin and fulfils Isaiah 7:14; essential Christian doctrine
Scripture References
Sources
- Thirty-Nine Articles, Article II (1571)
- Book of Common Prayer, Apostles' Creed (1662)
- Nicene Creed, as used in Anglican liturgy