Book Review: Mary Through the Centuries: Her Place in the History of Culture
Paul C. Burns
Reviewed by: Mary through the Centuries: Her Place in History of Culture Paul C. Burns Jaroslav Pelikan. Culture. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996. Pp. x + 284. $25.00. Professor Pelikan adapts successful format which he developed for Jesus . over a decade ago to explore various presentations and her role as expressed not only popular piety theological development but also other cultural expressions particularly literature, painting, and, some extent, music. He has designed 16 chapters, each with distinctive title, theme all organized somewhat chronologically. In his introduction, explains timeliness this study, citing diverse contemporary issues such feminist scholarship, Marian apparitions ecumenism. devotes chapter 12 Goethe’s treatment “the Eternal Feminine” Faust; 13 popularity since 1830. Pelikan’s interest ecumenism informs Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant views motivates whole collection. Moreover, broadens look at Christian relations Judaism first two chapters then 5 include an extended Qur’an. Throughout describes lucidly, perceptively, occasionally, provocatively. Although several were written contexts, most do reflect common method. Both professional scholar informed university student will recognize [End Page 593] reliance on documented primary texts. usually refers reader one pertinent scholarly issue stake. After dealing relative lack detailed information Testament, goes describe appropriation themes allusions Hebrew Scriptures by process “creative amplification.” To own position doctrine, appeals twice effective metaphor about legend emerging like pearl from small irritant. One sign is exploitation actual misreadings original language manuscript traditions Latin Vulgate. cites “parthenos” Isaiah 7.14, implications conjunction Song Songs 1.5 “I am black beautiful” confusion Genesis 3.15 gender pronoun. Unfortunately does apply descriptive textual skills apocryphal Protoevangelion James became rich source legends Mary. demonstrates knowledge evidence subsequent chapters. 10 deals Dante’s Divine Comedy Faust. Islamic Qur’an its respect simple obedience, perpetual virginity, motherhood human. relate specific approach. Chapter 4 briefly Theotokos mentioning dispute Council Ephesus 431 concentrating more antecedents Cyril rather than crisis itself. This surprising view important difference care takes 11 demonstrate Luther reformers Mother God. Moreover stronger focus contributes omission significant Renaissance composition Madonna Child. Instead colored plates deal Annunciation they should be incorporated within discussion effectively. number doctrinal presentation status second Eve, appropriate illustration, 3. treats Jerome’s contribution virginity Ambrose’s effort accommodate state marriage 8, unfortunately without acknowledging current scholarship sensitive area. 14, entitled Great Exception” sketches long history immaculate conception beginning Carolingian monasticism, noting reluctance Bernard of...
Journal of Early Christian Studies