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Hi Jeff,
It could be as simple as, the topic didn't come up.
Many people wrongly look at the Bible as if it were a systematic exposition
of theology,
a handbook, as it were, for teaching. I don't mean to say
that it isn't inspired and infallible, and suitable for teaching and so
forth; it is. What I mean to say is that it is not a Catechism and is not
written in a didactic style.
You'll also note that much of the theology
all Christians agree on is not expressly stated in so many words in Scripture.
No where does Scripture say that Jesus is fully God and fully man.
Rather, we have to glean that from fragmentary parts. The Trinity is not
taught in one place but is scattered all over the Scriptures.
- How is Scripture written then?
Paul's epistles are written to address
specific issues and disputes in the church:
- Romans and Galatians are written
against the Judaizers.
- 1 and 2 Corinthians are written against immature
Christians who are abusing the Eucharist.
- The Thessalonian letters address
the end times.
In short, the epistles are not intended to be an exhaustive
exposition of doctrine. We have to understand that at the time these were
not part of a single book, but rather were each half of a conversation
expressed through personal letters exchanged between Paul and individuals
or churches.
The fact that he does not address Marian teachings may simply be due
to the fact that there was no controversy over or abuses of them. He never
addressed the issue of polygamy, either, but all Christians condemn it,
even though it was permitted in the Old Testament. It may also be due to
the fact that Mary was still alive for most of the time he was writing,
which kind of changes Marian devotion drastically.
Hope this helps!
Eric
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