Mary
We should reflect on the significance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in ways that challenge some Protestant tendencies to overlook her role. These insights would emphasize her theological and spiritual importance, drawing attention to aspects of her story that Protestants may have undervalued due to their historical reaction against Marian devotion in Roman Catholicism.
1. Mary as the Archetype of Discipleship and the Church
Mary is not just the biological mother of Jesus but also a model of faithful discipleship and the embodiment of the Church. Her “yes” to God (the fiat in Luke 1:38) represents a human response of trust, openness, and surrender to God’s will.
• Protestant Oversight: Many Protestants focus heavily on Christological and soteriological themes (Jesus as Savior and Lord) but may downplay the relational and participatory aspects of Mary’s role. Mary exemplifies the believer’s calling to actively participate in God’s redemptive plan.
2. Mary’s Role in the Incarnation
We are to highlight the centrality of Mary in the doctrine of the incarnation. Through her, the Word became flesh, meaning she played an indispensable role in God’s becoming human.
• Protestant Oversight: Protestant traditions often focus on the Christ-event (Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection) while neglecting the incarnation as a process in which Mary had an irreplaceable role. She is to be recognized as a key participant in the mystery of God’s self-revelation.
3. Mary and the Suffering of God
In emphasizing God’s solidarity with human suffering, Mary becomes a poignant figure. Her experience at the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27) symbolizes profound solidarity with Christ’s suffering and with the suffering of humanity.
• Protestant Oversight: Many Protestants focus on Christ’s passion but may miss Mary’s unique role in sharing that suffering. We encourage Protestants to see Mary as a symbol of the Church standing with Christ in his suffering for the world.
4. Mary as a Figure of Hope and Liberation
Mary is connected to themes of hope and liberation, especially through her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Mary proclaims God’s justice, the overturning of oppressive structures, and the elevation of the humble.
• Protestant Oversight: Some Protestant churches have failed to see Mary’s Magnificat as a revolutionary and prophetic text, one that aligns with their own emphases on social justice and God’s preferential option for the marginalized.
5. Protestant Loss of Mary’s Humanity
Protestantism, in its reaction against Catholic veneration of Mary, has largely reduced her role to a functional one—Jesus’ mother—and ignored her as a real, relatable person. Mary’s humanity, including her struggles, fears, and faith, offers a profound connection for believers.
• Protestant Oversight: By downplaying Mary, Protestant churches have also missed an opportunity to explore themes of spiritual motherhood, human vulnerability, and the deep relational aspects of salvation history.
A Proposal
The calling of Protestants to recover a richer appreciation of Mary that goes beyond avoiding Catholic Marian doctrines (e.g., immaculate conception or assumption).Invite them to see Mary as:
1. A witness to God’s action in history: Her life and response reflect God’s movement in the world.
2. A symbol of hope: Her Magnificat speaks to God’s justice and promise.
3. An icon of discipleship: Her trust and surrender to God serve as a model for all believers.
By integrating these dimensions, Moltmann believes Protestants can enrich their theology and spirituality without compromising their distinctive commitments.
1. Mary as the Archetype of Discipleship and the Church
Mary is not just the biological mother of Jesus but also a model of faithful discipleship and the embodiment of the Church. Her “yes” to God (the fiat in Luke 1:38) represents a human response of trust, openness, and surrender to God’s will.
• Protestant Oversight: Many Protestants focus heavily on Christological and soteriological themes (Jesus as Savior and Lord) but may downplay the relational and participatory aspects of Mary’s role. Mary exemplifies the believer’s calling to actively participate in God’s redemptive plan.
2. Mary’s Role in the Incarnation
We are to highlight the centrality of Mary in the doctrine of the incarnation. Through her, the Word became flesh, meaning she played an indispensable role in God’s becoming human.
• Protestant Oversight: Protestant traditions often focus on the Christ-event (Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection) while neglecting the incarnation as a process in which Mary had an irreplaceable role. She is to be recognized as a key participant in the mystery of God’s self-revelation.
3. Mary and the Suffering of God
In emphasizing God’s solidarity with human suffering, Mary becomes a poignant figure. Her experience at the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27) symbolizes profound solidarity with Christ’s suffering and with the suffering of humanity.
• Protestant Oversight: Many Protestants focus on Christ’s passion but may miss Mary’s unique role in sharing that suffering. We encourage Protestants to see Mary as a symbol of the Church standing with Christ in his suffering for the world.
4. Mary as a Figure of Hope and Liberation
Mary is connected to themes of hope and liberation, especially through her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Mary proclaims God’s justice, the overturning of oppressive structures, and the elevation of the humble.
• Protestant Oversight: Some Protestant churches have failed to see Mary’s Magnificat as a revolutionary and prophetic text, one that aligns with their own emphases on social justice and God’s preferential option for the marginalized.
5. Protestant Loss of Mary’s Humanity
Protestantism, in its reaction against Catholic veneration of Mary, has largely reduced her role to a functional one—Jesus’ mother—and ignored her as a real, relatable person. Mary’s humanity, including her struggles, fears, and faith, offers a profound connection for believers.
• Protestant Oversight: By downplaying Mary, Protestant churches have also missed an opportunity to explore themes of spiritual motherhood, human vulnerability, and the deep relational aspects of salvation history.
A Proposal
The calling of Protestants to recover a richer appreciation of Mary that goes beyond avoiding Catholic Marian doctrines (e.g., immaculate conception or assumption).Invite them to see Mary as:
1. A witness to God’s action in history: Her life and response reflect God’s movement in the world.
2. A symbol of hope: Her Magnificat speaks to God’s justice and promise.
3. An icon of discipleship: Her trust and surrender to God serve as a model for all believers.
By integrating these dimensions, Moltmann believes Protestants can enrich their theology and spirituality without compromising their distinctive commitments.
