Finding the Virgin Mary - by Judith M Davis (Paperback)

About the Book

""Stories about the Virgin Mary began to appear in the second century, a spring of tradition that branched off from the mainstream teaching of the canonical gospels. This developed into a torrent of texts about Mary, her relationship with God and her motherhood. This book translates and interprets such stories about Mary from the beginnings of Christianity to modern times. The narrative or story theology of these works shows her to be a partner with her son Jesus in the work of salvation. Early stories depict Mary as chosen from childhood, and she is shown at the Last Supper with other women. Medieval tales recount the miracles she works to cure both physical and moral failings, saving sinners from the devil. All but ignored after the Reformation, stories of her appearances-Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico), Our Lady of Lourdes (France) and Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal) have been told and retold across the centuries and throughout the world. Today, Mary is still seen as an icon of women's agency, celebrated in song, film and art of every kind. This book uncovers her history and reveals her power through the life and message of this woman of faith."-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

Stories about the Virgin Mary began to appear in the second century, a spring of tradition that branched off from the mainstream teaching of the canonical gospels. This developed into a torrent of texts about Mary, her relationship with God and her motherhood. This book translates and interprets such stories about Mary from the beginnings of Christianity to modern times. The narrative or story theology of these works shows her to be a partner with her son Jesus in the work of salvation.

Early stories depict Mary as chosen from childhood, and she is shown at the Last Supper with other women. Medieval tales recount the miracles she works to cure both physical and moral failings. Stories of her appearances--Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico), Our Lady of Lourdes (France) and Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal)--have been told and retold across the centuries. Today, Mary is still seen as an icon of women's agency, celebrated in song, film and art of every kind. This book uncovers her history and reveals her power through the life and message of this woman of faith.

Review Quotes

"Many readers may know the stories of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Guadalupe, but many of the numerous tales about Mary that Davis has found and retells here will be new. ... Davis chose tales for their appeal to a modern audience, she writes, intending them to be both scholarly and accessible. ...the stories are indeed appealing and well told"-Booklist

About the Author

Judith M. Davis has been writing and teaching about Mary for more than 25 years. Professor emerita of French and humanities at Goshen College, Indiana, she has shared historical insights and lively stories about Mary in venues ranging from public libraries to churches and scholarly conferences in the United States and abroad.