Rating: 
Summary: a beautiful book
Review: When I first started to gravitate toward the Catholic Church (from a Protestant denomination), Mary was one of the biggest stumbling blocks on that journey. While I'm not entirely there yet, it is only waiting to begin RCIA in the fall that holds me back (not that the journey ever ends in any case)--and not an objection to Marian devotion. For that, I can thank Scott Hahan and his marvelous little book. In addition to prayer and reflection, of course, but Hahn gave me much on which to pray and reflect.Hahn writes in a lucid, conversational style; it's almost as though, in reading the book, you were having a one-on-one talk with him. He places Mary in the context of the entire Bible, in "types" from Eve onward, and shows that regarding her as Mother is not unusual (though it IS extraordinary--in a good way, that is). On this latter point, Hahn makes a particularly insightful argument about family and the Holy Family--surely God did not intend for us to be without a mother. For those not so well versed in the Bible, I would suggest having one at your side. Hahn makes frequent biblical references, and after reading one of his points, you just want to read the original text. And that's one of the beauties and joys of this book--that it fills the reader with a desire to return to the Word and meditate on its richness and meaning. The book is not long and can be read quickly if you want. But go slowly and spend some time with it. The experience is truly rewarding.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful review of Mariology
Review: This is a really well thought out discussion on how Mary fits in to realm of Catholocism. Dr. Hahn does a great job of explaining the typology of Mary involving the Old and New Testaments. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who wishes to have a more full understanding of why Mary is so important to Christianity and the fulfilment of the Old Testament.
Rating:
Summary: responding to reviewer...
Review: This is a response to the Oct 12, 2002 reviewers: >To rule Israel you HAD TO BE --
>1. A male.
>2. Born in Israel.
>3. Anointed by the High Priest -- and they were NOT allowed to
>anoint females!
>
>These are historical FACTS. Scripture tells us very clearly that queens also known as queen mothers had some sort of position in the Davidic Kingdom. (1 Kings 15:13, 2 Kings 10:13, Jer 13:18, Jer 29:2). Solomon's queen mother was Bathsheba. Regardless of the fact that David's affair with Bathsheba brought about Solomon. This is a position that legitimately existed in the Davidic. Well, we know that Jesus is a davidic king. And his queen mother according to Catholic theology, is Mary, his mother. The reviewer also claims that David's mother is nowhere mentioned in scripture. Unfortunately, scripture is silent on this issue. So it's up to the reviewer to accept the fact that not everything that happened during the Davidic kingdom is written down in scripture. He's arguing entirely from silence anyway. >More importantly, Hahn fails to state that Solomon did NOT
>grant Bathsheba's request! Where the David's reign in the kingdom fails, Christ reign in the kingdom prevails. Christ's kingdom after all fulfills the Davidic kingdom (Ps 89:35-37; Isa 9:6-7; Acts 2:25,30; Luke 1:32-33,69-73) >How could a University scholar such as Scott Hahn have missed
>something as vitally significant as this? How can a bible-only Christian read Hahn's book without seeing the strong connection between these verses?
Luke 1:39 - 2 Sam 6:2
Luke 1:41 - 2 Sam 6:16
Luke 1:43 - 2 Sam 6:9
Luke 1:56 - 2 Sam 6:11 Sure it looks like a mere coincidence, but taken with Gen 3:15 and Rev 11:19-12:1, the parallels take on a stronger meaning. Ultimately though, his negative comments on Mary completely avoid the real 'meat' of the book and goes on to bash Catholics. Not exactly the most godliest behavior.
Rating:
Summary: a response to Seth Aaron Lowry
Review: The reviewer before me made statements about archetypes and how they don't exactly fit with Hahn's model. So, I just thought I'd share my thoughts: Hahn does not claim such things about archetypes. It's not like anyone in the old testament died on a cross. In anycase, I don't think archetypes are what it's all about. With the comparisons between 2 Sam 6 and Luke 1, it's clear the parallels are not exact, nor are they even in chronological order! Surely, Hahn is aware of these things! However, the comparison would give good *reason* to believe that Luke was trying to say somethign without really saying it explicitly. The reviewer before me said: "Moreover, was access to Mary restricted to only a select few as was the ark of the Old Covenant? While in the holy of holies, only the high priest could enter in before the ark and that was only one day a year." My response: Maybe it's just me but it looks like he was reading way too much into what wasn't being said at all. I read Hail Holy Queen about a year ago, so I don't remember all the details, but I do remember reading an explanation (possibly from some other source) of the parallels between 2 Sam 6 and Luke 1: One interpretation of this is that Luke was simply applying the holiness of the Ark to Mary. And that's it! In fact the review's statement about the high priest enter before the ark would probably say something about Mary's holiness! It really doesn't say anything about whether Mary was conceived immaculately though I do trust that the Church is correct on that. So it's not about 100% accurate archetypes, but rather scriptural parallels which may be saying more than what's being said. There's a big difference there. Furthermore, one can almost sense Mary's role in Gen 3:15 and Rev 12. And Rev 11:19-12:1 when compared with the ark of the covenant parallels (2 Sam 6 and Luke 1) give solid reason to believe that this interpretation of the parallels are correct. On a side note, in Revelation 11:19-12:1 we see all sorts of apocalyptic imagery with lightnings, noises, thunderings, etc which is reminiscent of Moses meeting God up at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16), or with God revealing his presence to Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-12). So naturally, anyone familiar with the Old Testament would look at this passage and expect that the presence of God would be revealed. But what do we see first? We first see an image of a woman (Mary) giving birth to a child (Jesus), which means Mary is ultimately presenting Christ (Luke 1:46). Personally, I think protestants should take a closer look at Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42, and Luke 1:48. While at the same time Catholics should never forget about Luke 1:47 =)
Rating:
Summary: Great intro for curious Protestants
Review: This book is a great introduction to the Catholic beliefs on Mary--especially for curious Protestants with open minds. Although he could legitimately do so, Dr. Hahn avoids relying solely on Tradition to explain Catholic Mariology. Rather, this biblically erudite scholar presents and explains the Marian beliefs from the perspective of "covenant theology." His analysis and exegesis is prescient and sound. This should appeal to Protestants who are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the bases of Catholic Tradition and Apostolic succession.
Rating: 
Summary: Intriguing, but very unconvincing.
Review: I became familiar with Dr. Hahn after watching his series with Mike Aquilina on EWTN titled Hail, Holy Queen. The series was devoted to discussing Dr. Hahn's book and in the process defending the scriptural basis for Marian doctrines. Needless to say, I do not believe Dr. Hahn does near enough to convince the reader that the Roman Catholic Church's Marian dogmas are plausible, let alone scriptural. First, Hahn's book relies way too heavily on archetypes to defend Marian dogmas. One area of study where one will find archetypal comparison used consistently is in the study of Classics, most notably in understanding and interpreting ancient mythology. Take one class on ancient mythology, and I guarantee you will learn how to successfully identify and apply archetypes to any story you read. Nevertheless, this method of interpretation has one glaring weakness, which is that it allows the reader to apply what he or she feels is applicable and disregard what does not coincide with their model. Dr. Hahn is definitely extremely selective in his presentation of his Marian model. He believes that Mary can be found throughout the pages of the Old Testament by having her fit into three principal archetypes: 1.) the new Eve 2.) the ark of the New Covenant 3.) the Davidic queen mother of Jesus. Bold claims indeed, but ones that break down under serious scrutiny. First, there is a strong correlation between Mary and Eve, but Hahn picks and chooses what he applies to Mary to make her fit his model. Characteristics Hahn ignores include the fact that Mary was born and Eve was created from Adam, Eve descends from Adam, and not vice versa as is the case with Jesus and Mary. I could list several other examples but these suffice to show that Dr. Hahn's use of archetypes does not avoid the serious flaw inherent in their utilization. Second, Mary as the ark of the New Covenant is definitely the strongest argument Hahn has for defending Catholic beliefs. Yet here too, Hahn picks and chooses what he likes and disregards the rest. If Mary is the ark of the New Covenant then why didn't anyone who touched her die immediately? The ark of the Old Covenant did this to Uzzah when he presumptously laid his hand upon the ark when it was about to fall. (2 Samuel 6:6-7) Did Mary ever part the waters of Jordan by standing in their midst? The ark of the Old Covenant did. (Joshua 3:17) Moreover, was access to Mary restricted to only a select few as was the ark of the Old Covenant? While in the holy of holies, only the high priest could enter in before the ark and that was only one day a year. Again, nice arguments by Hahn but his methods break down when one notices that he is very selective about his critical evidence for comparison. Third, Mary as the Davidic queen mother; This is definitely the weakest and most poorly developed argument in the book. Hahn uses the example of Bathsheba coming to Solomon to plead for Adonijah. (1 Kings 2:13-22) Nevertheless, Hahn fails to tell the reader Bathsheba's true motive for coming to the king. Bathsheba's plea was nothing less than a political ploy to have Adonijah murdered thus securing her son's place of power on the throne of Israel. Don't believe me, read the next three verses 1 Kings 2: 23-25 and you will see that this is why Bathsheba made the request she did. Does Hahn honestly want to compare the mother of God with the manipulative and deceitful mother of Solomon? For our sakes, I hope he doesn't! Finally, Hahn attempts to defend his method of reasoning by showing that the Bible is filled with archetypes and many of these pertain to Jesus. This is definitely true, but one is warranted to look for biblical archetypes of Jesus because Jesus testified to this fact. Jesus said that the scriptures were written about him. (John 5:39) The Apostle Paul is the one who developed the comparison between Adam as the first and Jesus as the second Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:45, Romans 5:14) Jesus's disciples recognized that many people were comparing Jesus to prominent figures in Jewish history such as John the Baptist and Elijah. (Matthew 16:14) The author of Hebrews shows that Jesus is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:20) Finally, it was Moses himself who prophesied that the Messiah would be an individual raised up by God who was like Moses. (Deuteronomy 18:15) So one is warranted to search for archetypes in the scriptures, but when doing so follow our Lord's command and search the scriptures to find Him, and not others. Although I read this book because others suggested it would convince me of the truth of Marian doctrines, after finishing it I was not convinced. However, I will say that the book is enlightening and does make one understand that Catholics do believe their beliefs are rooted in scripture and will make one understand why Catholics believe as they do. Nevertheless, it will take a lot more to convince me of the validity of Catholic beliefs and it will take more than a weak reliance on archetypes to justify the hyper-reverence that many Catholics pay to the mother of God.
Rating: 
Summary: The New Testament Is Concealed In The Old Testament.
Review: Scott Hahn reminds us early in HAIL, HOLY QUEEN that according to the Second Vatican Council both Christ and Scripture were given to us by God for the sake of salvation. The author also agrees with Saint Augustine that the New Testament is concealed in the Old Testament which is in turn revealed in the New Testament. For instance there are many parallels which can be drawn between Genesis and the Gospel of John. Hahn shows us one way to look at Scripture is as the story of God's preparation for and completion of His self-revelation in Jesus Christ. Mary's role is an integral part of this story. Jesus Christ is the New Adam and Mary is the New Eve. Hahn's books sre much easier to appreciate if we are already familiar with the Bible as a whole in addition to the individual readings we absorb as part of the Mass. The book ends with a concise history of the rosary and an explanation of its enduring value in the prayer lives of Catholics.
Rating:
Summary: Scott Hahn's Most Moving Book...
Review: Theologian Scott Hahn certainly sent shockwaves through the evangelical Protestant community when he "jumped ship" and joined the Roman Catholic Church. His move left more than one Protestant asking: "Why would a brilliant, Presbyterian theologian leave his Reformed heritage???" This is the question that I was asking several years back, when I first read ROME SWEET HOME and listened to his taped conversion story. Coming from a thoroughly Reformed background myself, I could not figure out why anyone in his right mind would leave the Reformed Faith for the Catholic Church, but I did know one thing: I sure wasn't going to do anything like that!!! Well, God has a sense of humor. Little did I know that I would eventually run into Scott Hahn's writings again, and little did I know that this year, at a stalwartly Reformed Protestant institution, I would discover the true beauty and riches of the Catholic Faith. I thank the Lord for His Fatherly love, and for His tender guidance, in my search for Truth! I have read all of Scott Hahn's books, and I must say that there is not one that is not worth reading --and re-reading!--multiple times. However, of all of his books, the one that has touched me the most is (without doubt) HAIL, HOLY QUEEN. For it was through the reading of HAIL, HOLY QUEEN that I came to a fuller understanding of the person and work of our Holy Mother. I can remember the first time I had the pleasure of hearing Scott Hahn speak at a conference. He was giving a series of three lectures on the topics covered in his Doubleday books: FIRST COMES LOVE, THE LAMB'S SUPPER, and HAIL, HOLY QUEEN. As a kind of "Lone Protestant," I sat off to the side--apart from the main audience--with several friends. Together, we listened to Dr. Hahn explain, from Scripture, the core doctrines of the Catholic Faith. A lot of the things he was saying I was hearing for the first time, and as the day went on I found myself more and more intrigued by the thoroughly Biblical theology he was expounding. I have read and heard many other gifted and brilliant theologians in the past, but there was something different about what I heard that day. Both my mind and my heart were touched by the inherent beauty of the theology Dr. Hahn presented, and I look at that experience as the start of my "journey home." As I read through numerous books by theologians on both sides of the Protestant-Catholic debate, I found myself relentlessly drawn by the Biblical weight of the Catholic position. The Catholic doctrines of Justification, the Scriptures, the Sacraments, the Church, and the Covenant, were all so inherently beautiful, that I could not believe how I had missed them for so long. The one doctrine that I avoided studying, however, was Mary... The Church's doctrine of Mary--probably more than any other single facet of Catholic theology--is what usually causes the most umbrage and asperity among Protestants. I was well aware of this when I first picked up HAIL, HOLY QUEEN. I was pretty convinced about most of the other Catholic doctrines, but I still had some serious reservations about their Marian doctrines. I wondered how someone--much more, a finite human being!--outside of the God-Head could be elevated to such a high level. With a sigh, I opened the book and began to read. Little did I know what a profound impact HAIL, HOLY QUEEN would have upon me. I read it twice, in one sitting, while I was waiting for my laundry to dry. My view of Christ and His Church has not been the same since. Dr. Hahn writes in a warm, fraternal style that makes you feel as if he's sitting across from you, sharing with you his own personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. His skills in theology and in Biblical exegesis are superlative, yet he never neglects to address the heart along with the mind. HAIL, HOLY QUEEN examines the theology and the implications of the Divine Covenant in relation to Mary; the relationship between Christ as the new Adam, and Mary as the new Eve; the position of Christ in the line of David, and Mary as the Queen Mother; and the role of Mary as the Divine Mother of the Body of Christ. Dr. Hahn concludes HAIL, HOLY QUEEN with a discussion about the Rosary. Also helpful is the HAIL, HOLY QUEEN audio/video series, in which Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina discuss the Marian doctrines. It is a wonderful companion to the book, and it is extremely helpful for someone who does not have much time to read, but who does a lot of driving/traveling. I recommend both, together, for the serious student. I cannot recommend HAIL, HOLY QUEEN highly enough! I recommend it for Catholics who seek to grow deeper in their understanding of their Holy Mother, and I recommend it for Protestants who honestly seek to understand the teachings of the Catholic Church. For either group HAIL, HOLY QUEEN will certainly inform, enlighten, and instruct, the seeker (and lover!) of Truth!
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful and easy read
Review: This is a great book. It may not be a text book of pure facts, but that is the beauty of it. This book helps you to see Mary in the way we as Catholics respect. It was very enjoyable for me read as a mother of three small children, needing some divine inspiration. Take this book for what it is...a joyus book about our Holy Mother...Queen of HEAVEN, Mother of God.
Rating: 
Summary: Misleading and Historically Inaccurate
Review: Firstly, there were no queens in Israel.
To rule Israel you HAD TO BE --
1. A male.
2. Born in Israel.
3. Anointed by the High Priest -- and they were NOT allowed to anoint females!
These are historical FACTS. More importantly, Hahn fails to state that Solomon did NOT grant Bathsheba's request! Read the story in 1 Kings 2:20-25. Bathsheba said: "I have one small request to make of you," she said. "Do not refuse me." The King replied, "Make it, my mother; I will not refuse you." So she said, "Let Abishag the Shunammite be given in marriage to your brother Adonijah." King Solomon answered his mother, "Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well request the Kingdom for him, after all, he is my older brother, yes, for him and for Abiathar the Priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!" Then King Solomon swore by the Lord: "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request! And now, as surely as the Lord lives, He who has established me securely on the Throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!" So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. See that Solomon does NOT grant Bathseba's request! But why did Bathsheba ask for such a thing anyway? Because she knew the request would be seen as a challenge to Solomon's Throne, and thus infuriate Solomon into having Adonijah killed. It was nothing but a very cunning political move instigated by Bathsheba. How could a University scholar such as Scott Hahn have missed something as vitally significant as this? And WHERE are the voting buttons? I can't find them anywhere on this page.
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