Mary - by Penelope Duckworth (Paperback)

About the Book

In this compelling work that combines theology, history, devotion, and meditation on biblical texts, the author examines Mary through the dimensions of prophet, matriarch, theologian, disciple, intercessor, and paradigm.

Book Synopsis

Although Mary is a preeminent figure in Christianity and one of the most celebrated women in history, to many Christians she seems distant and unapproachable, a porcelain perfection of abstract motherhood that is irrelevant to their everyday existence. Still, interest in Mary is high, as evidenced by retreats, pilgrimages, liturgical formulations, and church discussions on her. Many Christians are hearing new wisdom in her Magnificat and are searching for ways to integrate her into their lives of faith.

Although we inevitably look at Mary from a twenty-first-century perspective, in this book Duckworth shows that our appreciation will be deeply enriched if we remember the sources that have influenced our tradition and try to comprehend the grand sweep of Marian devotion. As descendants of that tradition, we can look to Mary not only as the mother of our Lord but as the mother of a growing, changing church that is finding its way to a contemporary appreciation of her many dimensions. Duckworth addresses six of those dimensions-Mary as prophet, matriarch, theologian, disciple, intercessor, and paradigm-in this compelling work that combines theology, history, devotion, and meditation on biblical texts.

Review Quotes

"Penelope Duckworth's many-faceted meditation on Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave me, as even the few sentences in the New Testament could not, an understanding of Mary's influences throughout history, and even more important, perhaps, a vibrant tenderness for her experience, for her life. The text is fascinating, careful and yet lyrical. This book is pure gift." --Mary Oliver, Pulitzer prize-winning poet

"Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart is not light reading. It requires time and thought. But if you're interested in the subject and enjoy good writing, you'll find Duckworth's examination of Mary fascinating reading." --Andrea Sisco, Armchair Interviews

"Her evident affection for the subject and her even-handed approach to some of the more controversial aspects of Marian devotion will appeal to those seeking a well-rounded portrait of one of the major figures in Christian history and worship." --Publishers Weekly

Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart is not light reading. It requires time and thought. But if you're interested in the subject and enjoy good writing, you'll find Duckworth's examination of Mary fascinating reading.

Her evident affection for the subject and her even-handed approach to some of the more controversial aspects of Marian devotion will appeal to those seeking a well-rounded portrait of one of the major figures in Christian history and worship.

Penelope Duckworth's many-faceted meditation on Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave me, as even the few sentences in the New Testament could not, an understanding of Mary's influences throughout history, and even more important, perhaps, a vibrant tenderness for her experience, for her life. The text is fascinating, careful and yet lyrical. This book is pure gift.

About the Author

PENELOPE DUCKWORTH is an award-winning preacher and the author of "I Am" Sermons on the Incarnation, and Zabillet, a play on the Rehabilitation Trial of Joan of Arc. Her poetry has been published in The American Scholar, Theology Today, Yankee, and other publications. As an Episcopal priest, she has served several parishes and been chaplain to Stanford University and Santa Clara University.