The Blessed Virgin Mary (Guides to Theology)
Overview
The Blessed Virgin Mary provides a concise, nontechnical historical introduction to the church’s thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The first part of the book sketches the development of Marian thought from the second century to the twentieth century. The second part contains an annotated bibliography of the most important and accessible English-language works on Mary.
Tim Perry, an evangelical Anglican priest, and Daniel Kendall, a Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, have joined across the Reformation divide to provide an irenic, balanced volume for students and general readers interested in this most remarkable woman and the ways in which she has shaped Christian thought.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Interested in similar titles? Be sure to check out the Eerdmans Catholic Studies Collection (6 vols.).
- Provides a concise introduction to the church’s thinking about Mary
- Sketches the development of Marian thought from the second century to the twentieth century
- Contains an annotated bibliography of the most important and accessible English-language works on Mary
- The Fathers of the Church
- The Medieval Era and the Reformation
- Modern Contributions
- Concluding Observations
- Bibliography of English Language Works on Mary
Top Highlights
“Mary is Luke’s symbol for God’s people, whether defined as Israel or as the Church.” (Page 9)
“Mary in the history of Christian thought, three intertwining threads ought soon to emerge for the discerning student: Mary’s relationship to her Son (Christology), Mary’s relationship to the corporate faithful (ecclesiology or the doctrine of the Church), and Mary’s relationship to individual believers (Marian devotion or pious practices).” (Page 3)
“On the other, our only resources regarding her life amount to six chapters (two from Matthew and four from Luke), two stories in John, and scattered verses in Mark, Paul, and possibly Revelation.” (Page 6)
“Both Mary and the Church are virgins insofar as they are pure and devoted to God; both are mothers as they bring forth God’s children.” (Page 4)
“Namely, she is the link between heaven and earth, the vehicle through which eternity entered time” (Page 6)
A delightfully well-written account of Marian theology, unique in the extent to which it addresses the concerns of Protestants while also refusing to minimize Mary’s importance in God’s work of salvation. This book will be of great value to students, pastors, and general inquirers. It should appear on every undergraduate theology reading list.
—Sarah Jane Boss, director, Centre for Marian Studies, University of Roehampton
Before we begin arguing theologically about Mary, we should hear what Scripture and Christians in past ages have had to say on the subject. Now we can do just that, thanks to this splendid book by Tim Perry and Daniel Kendall. The writing is balanced and thoughtful, and the annotated bibliography is a gold mine of information. A must-read for anyone concerned about Christian unity.
—Joseph Mangina, professor of systematic theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
This accessible book on Marian doctrine and devotion should be warmly welcomed. It reflects the growing and constructive ecumenical convergence on the significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the lives of Christians and their churches.
—Gerald O’Collins, adjunct professor, Australian Catholic University
- Title: The Blessed Virgin Mary
- Editors: Tim Perry and Daniel Kendall
- Series: Guides to Theology
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 124
- Christian Group: Catholic
- Resource Type: Introductions
- Topic: Mariology and Church History
Tim Perry is rector at the Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury, Ontario. He also teaches theology at Thorneloe University College of Theology and religious studies at Laurentian University, both in Sudbury.
Daniel Kendall, SJ, is professor of theology at the University of San Francisco and book review editor for Theological Studies.
