Blessed One: Protestant Perspectives on Mary

Rating:
Summary: Beyond the Creche
Review: Among the ironies of the ordination of women in mainline denominations is a renewed Protestant interest in the Catholic icon of femininity, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

These essays by contemporary, mostly women theologians, examine the sparse but highly suggestive biblical references to Mary, and then interpret her meaning and importance in light of their own experience and Reform theology. Almost to a person, the authors balk at the Catholic dogmas of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, but they also criticize the unofficial Protestant dogma of virtual silence about Mary.

The result is a polyphonic but coherent reappraisal that views Mary as perhaps the archetype of Christian faith. This not un-Catholic consensus may serve as the basis for further rapprochement between Protestants and Catholics regarding the humble yet controversial mother of Jesus.

Rating:
Summary: Reforming Our View of Mary
Review: Blessed One: Protestant Perspectives on Mary is a thought-provoking and provocative look at a figure too often ignored by Protestants. This collection of essays, carefully edited by two top scholars in this country (one a professor of the author of this review), takes a second look at the mother of Jesus. Emphasized throughout is the scandal associated with Jesus' conception, Mary's pregnancy, and Jesus' birth and upbringing. True to the Gospels, Mary is presented here in both a positive and negative light. Mary's role as the model disciple is questioned, while recognizing and honoring her unique contribution to the history of salvation. A must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of the role of Mary in Christianity from a Protestant perspective.