Mother of Mercy; Bane of the Jews explores a key moment in the rise of the cult of the Virgin Mary and the way the Jews became central to her story. Benedictine monks in England at the turn of the twelfth century developed many innovative ways to venerate Mary as the most powerful saintly intercessor. They sought her mercy on a weekly and daily basis with extensive liturgical practices; commemorated additional moments of her life on special feast days; and praised her above all other human beings with new doctrines that claimed her Immaculate Conception and bodily Assumption. They also collected hundreds of stories about the miracles Mary performed for her followers in what became one of the most popular devotional literary genres of the Middle Ages.In all these sources; but especially the miracle stories; the figure of the Jew appears in an important role as Mary's enemy. Drawing from theological and legendary traditions dating back to early Christianity; monks revived the idea that Jews violently opposed the virgin mother of God; the goal of the monks was to contrast the veneration they thought Mary deserved with the resistance of the Jews. Kati Ihnat argues that the imagined antagonism of the Jews toward Mary came to serve an essential purpose in encouraging Christian devotion to her as merciful mother and heavenly Queen.Through an examination of miracles; sermons; liturgy; and theology; Mother of Mercy; Bane of the Jews reveals how English monks helped to establish an enduring rivalry between Mary and the Jews; in consolidating her as the most popular saint of the Middle Ages and in making devotion to her a foundational marker of Christian identity.
#205758 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-10-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.60 x 1.00 x 5.40l; .0 #File Name: 0691164304248 pagesAmerican Prophets Seven Religious Radicals and Their Struggle for Social and Political Justice
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. foundations of the American religious leftBy david-depewThis book is advertises itself as a "primer" of the role played by religious leaders in the civil rights. It is more than that. It is a profound; but accessible; study of how a perception of the transcendent undergirds lasting transformative political action. I recommend it highly and think it might make a good book for group study.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Rev. Luther C. PierceBeautifully told stories of people (prophets) were emulating.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A keepterBy Geraldine MulliganA wonderful book with excellent insights to our prophets today. Can be used over and over
