This Week in Christian History: Billy Graham, Immaculate Conception Theologian, Gideon Bibles
Influential Catholic Theologian Dies - November 8, 1308
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.
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.