Black Madonna: A Womanist Look at Mary of Nazareth

by Courtney Hall Lee

The figure of the Virgin Mary comes loaded with baggage and preconceptions. She is usually depicted as the perfect, obedient, and highly esteemed woman, much like the Victorian notion of the "angel in the house." For many black women, nothing could be more inaccessible. This book considers the relationship between African American women and Mary of Nazareth. After examining the history of black American motherhood during slavery and beyond, this book then gives an overview of the existing views of Mary in both the church and the academy. Lee then brings African American women and Mary together, creating a womanist Mariology by using womanist biblical and theological interpretation, as well as considering black motherhood during the age of "Black Lives Matter."

Genres: Religion, Theology

150 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2017

Reviews

[Nikki Mcgee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and personally challenging. This short book is a powerful read that made me see Mary in a new way. One of my issues with Mary is that to me she is inaccessible for women. This book makes her vulnerable yet strong, relatable and accessible. The book weaves theological insights with historical reflections and commentary on modern times to show that a womanist Mary speaks to the experience of black mothers today. In such a short book the breadth of scholarship is impressive - this could act as a primer for those new to Womanist Theology.

[Mthr. Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some real treasures in here. Alongside lots of introductory sections which made one long that Courtney Hall Lee would perhaps write another, in depth, on some chosen areas.

Some wonderful insight. Some areas seemed more flimsy. A remarkable number of typing errors had also been missed in publication, which became distracting.

Definitely worth a read, especially if new to womanist studies and theology

[Brooke Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some true gems in this book for sure, ideas that I want to return to. Very often, though, I wanted the book to expand & go deeper. Maybe I’ll write the next one ;) It is still a good primer though.