Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart

By Penelope Duckworth

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561012602
• ISBN13: 9781561012602
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Cowley Publications
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The Episcopal Church makes room for Mary

As an Episcopalian who has nurtured a lifelong devotion to Mary the Mother of God, this book made me feel as if I can finally come out of the closet! A perfect blend of scholarship and personal experience, Duckworth's reassessment shows just what Mary offers both to individual Christians and to the Church as a whole -- and her observation that images of the Madonna and Child speak to us of the Incarnation as nothing else does is both poignant and powerful. Ave Maria.

Fascinating reading for those interested in Mary!

Reverend Penelope Duckworth, author of Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart, invites the reader to view Mary, not just as the mother of Jesus, but as the mother of an ever-growing and changing church that is learning to appreciate her many dimensions. From a biblical and historical perspective, Duckworth addresses six of Mary's different dimensions: as prophet, matriarch, theologian, disciple, intercessor and paradigm. Mary is interesting because so much has been written about her from a theological, historical and cultural viewpoint, yet the scripture references are limited. The greatest amount of biblical information is found in the Gospel of Luke. Duckworth's book gives the reader an opportunity to delve deeper into Mary as a person and allows us to examine her historical influence. She becomes a real person, rather than an idea or fact of Christian life. The study questions following the chapters offers the reader an opportunity think about, examine and reflect on Mary, the contemporary church and their own beliefs and experiences. Armchair Interviews says: 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.

A profound contemplation digging deep into both scripture and faith in search of a better understand

Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart is a meditation on different perspectives of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Preacher and award-winning play author Penelope Duckworth discusses Mary as prophet, matriarch, theologian, disciple, intercessor, spiritual guide, and paradigm. Written in thoughtful prose accessible to lay readers and theologians alike, Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart is a profound contemplation digging deep into both scripture and faith in search of a better understanding of Mary and her legacy.