When it comes to obstacles to embracing the Catholic faith, Protestants often find none greater than doctrines Catholics hold about Mary. Of these, the Assumption of Mary is often the most difficult to explain, since Scripture does not explicitly record that event. But the plausibility of such an event can be shown by the use of Scripture and historical evidence.

For starters, an assumption into heaven is not a unique event that happened only to Mary. Two other biblical figures were assumed by God. The first was Enoch who "was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had taken him" (Hebrews 11:5, cf. Genesis 5:24, Sirach 44:16). The second was Elijah when he "went up by a whirlwind into heaven" by "a chariot of fire and horses of fire" (2 Kings 2:11, cf. 1 Maccabees 2:58).

Not only has God assumed others into heaven in the past, but it will also happen to righteous people in the future at the Second Coming. When Christ comes again, those who have died in Christ will rise first, "then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

So, the evidence shows an assumption of a person by the power of God does not go against Scripture. Thus the teaching of the Assumption of Mary does not violate Scripture.

Although "assumptions" are biblically possible, objectors still may find it difficult to accept that Mary was assumed into heaven. Here we can turn to historical evidence. In the beginning of the church, early Christians gave much respect and honor to deceased fellow Christians who were often martyred for their faith. Cities would boast about being the burial places of different saints and Christians would protect and venerate the bones of these holy men and women (relics). For example, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is built over the burial place of St. Peter - underneath the basilica are the actual bones of St. Peter.

Despite these early traditions, there is no evidence whatsoever of a single place claiming to possess the bones of Mary or the tomb which holds her body. As a result, historical evidence does not contradict the Catholic claim that Mary was assumed into heaven by God.

Although Scripture and historical evidence has shown the plausibility of the Assumption of Mary, some may continue to question why she was assumed into heaven. We Catholics believe that Mary, who was preserved from original sin, was exalted by God by being taken up to heaven at the end of her earthly life. (Note that the church does not say whether she was assumed while she was alive or dead.) God granted this so that she might be more fully conformed to her son and participate in his Resurrection. Due to her holiness, purity, and participation in the life and death of Christ, she is the first of all Christians to participate in his Resurrection.

The Assumption of Mary into heaven is a sign of hope for us as she shows us what we have to look forward to in the future.