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Making Sense of Mary
There are many books about the Blessed Virgin Mary on the market. This book is different. It is written for non-Catholic Christians to show how Catholic Marian doctrine is rooted in the Bible and the writings of the early Church fathers.
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 27, 2013
Gary Michuta has not made the mistake of writing yet another apologetic for the Virgin Mary, one aimed at those who are already within the fold, using language that would not be recognized by those unfamiliar with the topic. Instead, the author begins by setting forth three principles that Catholics and Protestants can agree on, and then building from there.
1. Christ alone saves.
2. God's plan of redemption is perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.
3. Satan's defeat in the Redemption is utterly perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.
The author acknowledges that most Protestants would have difficulty reconciling these principles with what they think they know of Catholicism, so much of the book will refer back to these three statements as points of reference.
From there, the author builds upon the teachings of St. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon, on the manner in which Christ recapitulated, or summed up, all of human life. Gary Michuta expounds upon this at length, bringing to bear the teaching of Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, regarding Mary's being the new Eve (Nova Eva).
Where this book excels is in placing the Virgin Mary within the larger theological context. There is much to this book that will be difficult for the Protestant reader to understand at first. While the book is clearly and plainly written, the subject is so little spoken of within the Protestant communion that the reader will likely not have an existing mental framework within which to place this information. But for the prayerful and persistent reader, the author's intent should become clear.
1. Christ alone saves.
2. God's plan of redemption is perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.
3. Satan's defeat in the Redemption is utterly perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.
The author acknowledges that most Protestants would have difficulty reconciling these principles with what they think they know of Catholicism, so much of the book will refer back to these three statements as points of reference.
From there, the author builds upon the teachings of St. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon, on the manner in which Christ recapitulated, or summed up, all of human life. Gary Michuta expounds upon this at length, bringing to bear the teaching of Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, regarding Mary's being the new Eve (Nova Eva).
Where this book excels is in placing the Virgin Mary within the larger theological context. There is much to this book that will be difficult for the Protestant reader to understand at first. While the book is clearly and plainly written, the subject is so little spoken of within the Protestant communion that the reader will likely not have an existing mental framework within which to place this information. But for the prayerful and persistent reader, the author's intent should become clear.
February 1, 2014
As an apologetic for the Catholic view of Mary, this book is very good. It is particularly helpful to the Protestant. Mr. Michuta uses language that Protestants "get," and in doing so, helps us to better understand the Catholic view. We find that the Catholic has good reasons, logical reasons, for Marian veneration. Did I find all of the reasoning convincing? Not necessarily, but I did find it to be reasonable. And, that is a good place to be in better understanding the theology of my Catholic brothers and sisters in the Lord.
November 11, 2013
The chapter about Mary's role in the undoing of the sin of Adam and Eve was yet another whole new way of understanding Genesis. Loved it! The book is a great reference book. Too many facts and quotes to simply read and absorb. Obviously, then, his points about Mary are thoroughly documented with Scripture and Early Church Fathers. Very well done!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews