This Week in Christian History: Billy Graham, Immaculate Conception Theologian, Gideon Bibles

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Influential Catholic Theologian Dies - November 8, 1308

John Duns Scotus (c.1270-1308), a noted Franciscan monk and Catholic theologian who championed the idea that the Virgin Mary was born sinless.
John Duns Scotus (c.1270-1308), a noted Franciscan monk and Catholic theologian who championed the idea that the Virgin Mary was born sinless. | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of when John Duns Scotus, a notable Franciscan friar and theologian who championed the idea of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, passed away.

A native of Scotland, hence his last name, Scotus was ordained in 1291 and studied at the universities of Oxford and Paris, eventually becoming a lecturer and philosopher.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

According to Franciscan Media, Scotus' influence on Catholic teaching stretched centuries after his death, when the Catholic Church came to adopt his belief that the Virgin Mary was immaculately conceived, or born without sin.

"Drawing on the work of John Duns Scotus, Pope Pius IX solemnly defined the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 1854," stated the Catholic media organization.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you're helping to keep CP's articles free and accessible for everyone.

$25/month$50/quarter$100/yearOne-time

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.