As defined by the papal bull issued by Pope Pius IX in 1854, the idea of the "immaculate conception" teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was "from the moment of her conception, . . , by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of Mankind, kept free from all stain of Original Sin."
Though the adjective "immaculate" was added, and the doctrine so defined only in the 1854, the idea was already affirmed by the Council of Basle in 1439. Ten years later Sorbonne required its students to affirm it. Many of the Catholic orders—Franciscans, Carmelites, and Jesuits—are staunch defenders of the dogma.
This dogma cannot be clearly established or substantiated by the clear exegesis of Scriptures (despite Roman Catholic claims), adds no soteriological value to the doctrines of the Church but piles the already abundant stack of common superstitions even highter. It is rejected both by the Eastern Orthodox and all Protestants.
Further Reading & Resources
"Immaculate Conception," Catholic Encyclopeida. This provides the official Catholic position and defence of it. html N
"The Virgin Birth and the Immaculate Conception," Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary Blog N
"The Immaculate Conception," BBC Religions html N
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