What Had We Not Fallen?

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Father Joe

A conundrum arises with the Virgin Mary. As the new Eve, she is preserved from sin and thus would possess the preternatural gifts. Death is a consequence of sin and yet tradition suggests that at the end of her life in this world, Mary died. The late Pope John Paul II believed she died to share the pattern of Christ on his Cross. The Eastern churches are so offended by this notion, that they call the Assumption by the title, The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Blessed Theotokos (Mother of God). Just as we drift off into dreams with sleeping, Mary is thought to drift from this world into eternity.

I am reminded of the three species of Martians (Malacandrians) in C.S. Lewis’ science-fiction trilogy. Having not fallen like humanity on the Silent Planet “Earth,” the Martians know something of death and yet there is nothing of mourning. Indeed, they speak and relate to the dead as if they were still alive. At the end of their mortal lives there is a smooth transition to immortality and a new state of being. They join closer to Maleldil or God. Their unity or communion with one another is sustained. Had Adam and Eve not fallen, it is suggested that death might have been as easy as opening a door and stepping from one room to another— it would lack finality or the darkness that threatens to consume us. Indeed, we might argue that this is not true death at all, at least as we know it. In any case, we experience no easy or casual transition. Death changes everything. We experience the absence of the deceased. The door closes quickly and we are fearful as to what awaits us on the other side.