Textual sources of Mary

Question 1

What is ‘Our lady of the underpass’?

Answer 1

• Shrine in Chicago

- Seen as approval of Pope Benedict XVI being selected.

Question 2

What are the main Gospels in the New Testament?

Answer 2

Mark (oldest 66-77ce), Matthew (85-90ce), Luke (85- 90ce) and John (90-110ce)

They have very little info no Mary

‘Virgin’ concept only mentioned in Matthew and Luke

Question 3

How does Luke and Matthew Differ?

Answer 3

• Luke is more detailed
• Matthew is based more on Joseph than Mary
• Luke has Mary as a central figure
• Luke describes the birth in more detail but doesn’t mention the wise men
• Matthew doesn’t mention journey to Bethlehem.

Question 4

What’s the key points in the nativity? (hint - 5)

Answer 4

• Mary visited by the Angel (Luke)
• Joseph dream about the message to stay with Mary (Matthew)
• Travel to Bethlehem (Luke)
• Shepherds told of the birth (Luke)
• Wise men (Matthew)

Question 5

What key events is Mary mentioned in after Jesus’ birth? (Hint 7)

Answer 5

• Takes Jesus to Jerusalem temple (Luke)
• Flee Egypt to escape Herod + return to Nazareth (Matthew)
• 12 yrs old Jesus’ conversation with leaders in the temple (Luke)
• At the wedding in Cana where water turns to wine (John)
• Identified as Jesus’ mother in crowds at Nazareth (Mark, Matthew + Luke)
• Present at crucifixion (John)
• Mary joins Christian community in Jerusalem in pray after Jesus Ascension (Acts of Apostles)

Question 6

Which Epistles is Mary mentioned in?

Answer 6

None other than Letter of Galatians (‘ born of a women’)

Question 7

Key points of Mary in Jewish Scriptures?

Answer 7

• Prophecy of Isiah

- Links to prophecies in scriptures were meaningful to Jesus’ followers with Jewish backgrounds.

Question 8

What is Apocrypha?

Answer 8

• Detailed accounts of Mary
• Left out N.T due to doubts of authenticity.
• Book of James - Mary’s miraculous conception and vow of virginity whilst remaining virtuous and lived a life ‘fitting for the mother of God’ (probably written in Syria.)

Question 9

What are the Polemics?

Answer 9

• Strong written attacks + contemptuous ridicule
• Claims of illegitimacy of Jesus (Serious accusation for the time)
• Authors keen to discredit growing Christian Cult
• Celus wrote ‘ The True Doctrine’

Question 10

Mary in the Qur’an key points?

Answer 10

• Mentions Mary more than N.T (34 vs 19)
• Jesus seen as a prophet + messenger of God not his son (this affects how they view Marys status)
• Sura 19 dedicated to her (one of the longest prophet)
• wrote in 610-32ce when Mary was becoming a prominent figure
• ‘Women of considerable integrity, sanctity + autonomy’ in her own right.
• She is celebrated as a distinctive archetype of prayerfulness +patience in adversity, not Jesus’ mother.

Question 11

How does Mary differ in the Qur’an than the N.T?

Answer 11

Qur’an:

• Highly praised women
• Both have angelic messenger
• No mention of Joseph
• pain during childbirth (different to Matthew)
• Jesus can talk as a baby + given a more active role
• Contrasts gospels but similar to Apocryphal (Book of John)
• Mary is confronted with scepticism and questions of morality about the birth