Theology Professor Margaret Schatkin Lecturing to Students in Greek Patrology

Professor Margaret Schatkin, a longtime professor in Boston College’s theology department, recently published extended research on the Biblical analysis  surrounding the Catholic doctrine of Marian virginity. A specialist in patristic studies, Schatkin has been working for several years to help better understand the relationship between the teachings of the Catholic Churchand Matthew 1:25, which reads,“And [Joseph] knew her [Mary]not till she had brought forth her first born son: and he called his name JESUS” (King James Version).

In her research, Schatkin  suggests that an error has occurred in the Greek version of the New Testament, possibly the result of either a smudge or a miscopy. Schatkin suggests that if two of the Greek letters were interchanged, the entire verse would be different, suggesting a sense of permanence to Mary’s virginity instead of a temporary nature.

Schatkin’s research, whichhas been ongoing for several years, grew out of an effort toanswer a student question about Marian virginity. Not initially understanding how Catholic teaching conformed to the Biblical implications of Matthew 1:25,Schatkin appealed to several Jesuits on campus, who were equally miffed. As she looked deeper into the Greek origins of the New Testament, Schatkin became more intrigued with the finer points of the script, and before long she noticed irregularities in the Greek verse which she believes clouded the original intentions of the evangelist. As she explains it, “The problem lies in the implication (from Greek grammar) that he (Joseph) did know her after she gave birth.”Eventually, Schatkin took a research leave, during which she formulated the research that appears in De Maria Numquam Satis.

The book is edited and produced by Professor Judith Gentle,an adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan Universityof Steubenville. Gentle also has a BC connection, having received her doctoral degree in theology in 2001. She lauds the contributions of Schatkin to the work as a whole, especially noting her expertise in patristic studies. “Dr.Schatkin’s superb command of both linguistic tools and the patristic tradition are highly evidenced in this article.€ Not only does she use her usual outstanding scholarship to support the Truth of Our Lady’s perpetual virginity,and therefore her Divine Maternityof God the Son, but she also substantiates the complementary Truth of St. Joseph’s virginity, which is essential to his being the foster-father of the Divine Child, Jesus Christ.”

Schatkin and Gentle met at Boston College while Gentle was writing her graduate thesis on the relationship between Mary and redemption. Schatkin,who was already a BC professor,served as a reader for the dissertation,which was eventually published. Gentle knew about Schatkin’s research as she was putting together the book and characterized her participation as an absolute “must.”

De Maria Numquam Satis was released on November 28,2009 and can be found through the inter-library loan system at Boston College. The authorspublished in the book hope that it can appeal to a wide audience,but it will probably be most useful to academics considering the meticulous nature of the research done within it.

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