Mary for Evangelicals

Toward an Understanding of the Mother of Our Lord

By Tim Perry
Foreword by William J. Abraham

(paperback)

Product Details

Line: IVP Academic
Length: 320 pages
Size: 6 x 9 inches
Binding: paperback
Published: October 2006

ISBN-10: 0-8308-2569-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2569-1
IVP Order Code: 2569

Related Subjects

Theology

"From the fathers to the feminists, Tim Perry surveys the history of Marian traditions and comes to some conclusions that are bound to prod and provoke. I strongly agree with his two main points that evangelicals need to take a fresh look at Mary in light of the biblical witness, and that such reflection must be christologically grounded. This is an important study that deserves serious consideration."

"It is one sign of the strength of this book by Tim Perry that I can heartily recommend it, even though I disagree with one of his conclusions. Perry's work is fascinating--offering many new insights for reading biblical accounts of Mary and surveying historical developments, in order to show us how and why churches have become so divided over her place in God's work of salvation. This book will make you think deeply and question your assumptions--in doing so it will contribute toward uniting the community of faith and helping us all to see and follow as Mary 'directs the faithful away from herself [and] always to her Son.'"

"Deeply informed by Scripture and by two millennia of Christian tradition, Tim Perry offers Protestants--evangelical and otherwise--a patient, mature and engaging account of the necessity of theological reflection on Mary. For those who want to take seriously the Bible's own declaration that all generations will call Mary blessed, this book is required reading."

"For too long Protestant evangelicals have ignored Gabriel's assessment of Jesus' mother as the one who is 'blessed among women.' Mary for Evangelicals impressively addresses this deficiency, developing a Mariology that has biblical, historical and theological integrity. In addition, Tim Perry makes a positive contribution to the larger Protestant evangelical-Roman Catholic dialogue by addressing the right issues and taking them on with sensitivity and fairness to all. Most significantly, Perry's constant refrain that Marian doctrine has evolved largely as an implication of orthodox Christology stands as a needed corrective for many Protestants who misunderstand Roman Catholic doctrine. Perry has done the Protestant evangelical community and the 'God-bearer' a great service."

"This critical study of the Virgin Mary will be invaluable to evangelicals who wish to know Mary better; yet Perry also speaks a truth when he humbly admits that, after all this study, she is still a mystery. May this volume help readers to encounter this 'mysterious' woman whom Jesus loved so much."

"Tim Perry has provided Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox believers with a rich, informative account of the development of Marian teaching and issues a call to a sound, wise and holy appropriation of Mary for the church's life today. If you're wondering why the fuss about Mary, Perry's book is an excellent place to broaden your knowledge base. I warmly recommend it."

Readers will undoubtedly be challenged to reconsider Mary in new ways, even if full agreement is not forthcoming. Therefore, I heartily recommend this book to all interested Evangelicals . . . to theological students and ministers who are in regular contact with Roman Catholics.

Mary for Evangelicals should serve as an important contribution to the Catholic-Protestant dialogue for decades to come.

Evangelicals who desire to have a better understanding of why their Orthodox and Roman Catholic brothers and sisters hold the Virgin Mary in such high esteem will greatly benefit from this scholarly yet accessible work.

. . .a valuable and groundbreaking contribution.