So I took a break from reading Mother Brain to read another book really quick; I had barely started it, anyway. Back to it, I keep detecting this weird thread of anti-Marianism.

This book does have several interesting things to say so far, from the scientific to the social (although predictably, the author feels that state programs supporting mothers are a mark of civilization 🙄), but apparently Mary is some kind of symbol to the author of unattainable, self-immolating maternal perfection and is used as an object of scorn.

"...And there was the Virgin Mary, the unwitting actor in a great miracle who became the most virtue-laden symbol of motherhood there is, her inner life and actions entirely consumed by the glory of her maternal love. I was raised Catholic, and I often wonder about how things -- the faith itself, the power dynamic within my own family, the history of the world -- might be different had Mary been granted space in the Bible to offer her own take."

I don't understand this.

Far from unwitting, Mary was fully informed and actively consented to her motherhood, with the example of her own faith (Luke 1:38) standing in contrast with Zechariah's doubt (Luke 1:18-20).

Far from silent, we have an entire song written by her (the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55) as well as other explicit glimpses into her internal thoughts (e.g., Luke 2:19, Luke 2:48-51).

The Magnificat is beautiful and highly relevant, so here is the text of it:

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

Biblically, the most consuming thing about Mary is not her maternal love, but her devotion to God. She's an example to all Christians.

Again, I'm not hating on the whole book, just venting, supporting my goal of both reading more and venting more, lol ... I'm way behind!

I do think that many things that people who haven't really read the Bible dislike about it aren't actually in there, and that a better understanding and appreciation comes when you actually read the text.

#Bible #Christian #mumstr #women #parenting #grownostr