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STRANGE HEAVEN: THE VIRGIN MARY AS WOMAN, MOTHER, DISCIPLE By Jon M. Sweeney NEW - Picture 1 of 1

Strange Heaven : The Virgin Mary as Woman, Mother, Disciple and Advocate by Jon M. Sweeney (2006, Hardcover)

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STRANGE HEAVEN: THE VIRGIN MARY AS WOMAN, MOTHER, DISCIPLE AND ADVOCATE By Jon M. Sweeney - Hardcover **BRAND NEW**.

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherParaclete Press, Incorporated

ISBN-10155725432X

ISBN-139781557254320

eBay Product ID (ePID)21038509903

Product Key Features

Book TitleStrange Heaven : the Virgin Mary As Woman, Mother, Disciple and Advocate

Number of Pages233 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicChristian Theology / Mariology

Publication Year2006

IllustratorYes

GenreReligion

AuthorJon M. Sweeney

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height0.9 in

Item Weight227.7 Oz

Item Length8.2 in

Item Width5.8 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

LCCN2006-011943

Dewey Edition22

Reviews"In many ways, Mary is for the devout Catholic what the Holy Spirit is for the devout Protestant. "That could be the most provocative statement in Jon M. Sweeney's Strange Heaven. Otherwise, his excellent book provides a systematic, straightforward, clearly written account of the history and practice of Marian devotion. (The book's odd title comes from John Donne: "Whose wombe was a strange heav'n for there/God cloath'd himselfe, and grewe.") Sweeney, who has written about St. Francis and other saints and speaks frequently to Episcopal groups, says it is Mary's "myth that draws us: Her power to fascinate us intellectually is surpassed only by her ability to inspire devotion. "He begins by emphasizing how little we know historically about Mary-, then tackles whether or not she was a virgin; stresses her role as the first disciple, and defines her as the "New Eve," the triumph of good over evil. Along the way he tells how Mary is viewed by Hebrew prophets, St. Paul, the non-canonical gospels, medieval mystics, Martin Luther, and even the Qur'an He touches on Mary's reported apparitions and the traditions of her life after the Resurrection. His sections on the doctrines of the immaculate conception and the assumption are carefully constructed. Boyd Wright The Living Church Magazine November 12, 2006, Jon Sweeney has written a non-theological, popularly phrased book about many aspects of the life and significance of the Virgin Mary, not just for the Catholic Church but he also writes of her influence for all Christians. Sweeney is a popular author and biographer who has won several awards for his fine writing and editing. The book is divided into three parts after an introduction which acknowledges the lack of historical material regarding Mary and which also traces the image of Mary that we came to accept. Her qualities became the spiritual ideals for centuries of Christian men and women. Part one relates the information about Mary that has been gleaned from Scriptures. It retells Mary's story from the Bible and recounts the interpretation by many early theologians of the Biblical references. The works of Augustine and John Chrysostom are particularly well represented. Sweeney also touches on the references to Mary in the non-canonical gospels. PArt two more specifically deals with "the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholicism" which includes her apparitions, the rosary, devotions, and feasts. An interesting chapter deals with the difficult areas of dogma like the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, and Mary as co-redeemer. The last chapter in this section addresses the "unfortunate teachings of Bernard of Clairveaux." Part three is agian broadened so Sweeney can write about Mary's universal appeal. Martin Luther's beliefs about Mary and other general topics. The three appendices include "The three great canticles from Luke's Gospel," a basic chronology for understanding Mary, and "Five legends of the Virgin Mary from the Middle Ages." A bibliography and index completes the work. This book will be well received and appreciated by many general readers and should be in all parish libraries. Although not academically orientated the book will also find a place in all libraries with any Mariology collections. Arnold Rzepecki Catholic Library World June 2007, Protestant religious writer Sweeney ( Born Again and Again) respectfully analyzes the woman and the myth in this well-rounded tribute to the Virgin Mary. Examining Mary's profound effect upon religion, art, literature, and social and sexual mores during the past 20 centuries, he ponders Mary's role in the Bible, her central position in Catholicism, and the influence she has wrought on society and other religious cultures. Chock-full of legends, lore, factual information, and fascinating tidbits, this treasure trove of all things Mary also addresses the fact that "her power to fascinate us intellectually is only surpassed by her ability to inspire devotion." With the subject of myth and symbolism in the church a la The Da Vinci Code still a hot topic, this digestible contribution to Marian scholarship should appeal to a broad readership. Margaret Flanagan Booklist August 1, 2006, Sweeney ( The Lure of Saints: A Protestant Experience of Catholic Tradition), who has written several books on religious subjects, here turns to Mary, the mother of Jesus. With scholarly research as his basis and drawing on biblical sources, the Qur'an, legends, classical mystical writings, and medieval and Renaissance literature and art, he explores Mary's enduring place in salvation history. Sweeney presents both Catholic and Protestant perspectives in understandable language, showing the development of the Christian imagination regarding Mary. Balance and respect characterize this study of Marian influence even into the 21st century. Chapters cover discipleship, the apostle Paul, apparitions, the Rosary, feasts and titles, difficult concepts such as coredemption, Martin Luther, and feminine aspects of the divine. Small 19th-century illustrations enhance the text. Refreshingly contemporary, Sweeney's book, whose title derives from a work by poet John Donne, is a welcome ecumenical addition to religious and general collections from a publishing house couched in the Benedictine tradition. Anna Donnelly Library Journal August 15, 2006, Virgin Mary as a Woman, Mother, Disciple and Advocate John Donne wrote of Mary, mother of Jesus, as one "whose wombe was a strange heav'n, for there God cloath'd himselfe, and grew." Thus the title of the book, which focuses on that fact as the central message of Mary's life. "If the Cross is the accomplishment of salvation, the birth of God in Mary is its consummation," Jon Sweeney writes. "She is the chief symbol of his humanity, and her strange heaven is what is possible in all of us." "Catholics have long believed that Mary is the most effective conduit to Jesus," the author asserts, noting, however that "we know almost nothing about her for certain". Mary left behind no handwritten document, no letters, no diaries. The apostle Paul mentions her only briefly, saying Jesus was "born of a woman" who remains unnamed. And yet there is a rich tradition surrounding the Virgin Mary, which Mr. Sweeney believes offers a faith-enriching avenue for Protestants and Catholics alike. Strange Heaven surveys that tradition, looking at the role of Mary in the lives of churches, theologians, saints, artists, mythologists and lay devotees. The book weaves thoughtful reflection of biblical accounts with popular legends and myths. The author's carefully-researched, yet reverent portrait leaves readers awed by the varied and mystical legacy of Mary in Christian history - "a unique place between the earthly and the divine." United Methodist Reporter December 1, 2006, *****Reviewer's Choice*****We know almost nothing about her for certain, the author begins. Mary left behind no handwritten documents, no letters, no diaries. And yet there is a rich tradition surrounding the Virgin Mary. The author surveys that tradition, looking at the role of Mary in the lives of churches, theologians, saints, artists, mythologists and lay devotees. The book weaves thoughtful reflection on biblical accounts with popular legends and myths. Theres one medieval story of the knight who wins tournament glory through his heroic devotion to Mary, and another of a distraught mother who steals a statue of the baby Jesus from a church, promising the nearby Mary statue to return the baby only when her own son, a war prisoner, is freed. (Legend says the ploy worked.) The title comes from John Donne, who wrote of Mary, whose wombe was a strange heav'n, for there God cloath'd himselfe, and grew." And that, the author concludes, is the central message of Mary's life. She is the chief symbol of God's humanity, "and her strange heaven is what is possible in all of us. The author's carefully researched yet reverential portrait leaves readers awed by the varied and mystical legacy of Mary throughout Christian history. Mary Jacobs Dallas Morning News October 7, 2006

Dewey Decimal232.91

SynopsisOffering a glimpse into how the Incarnation placed Mary at the center of salvation history, an investigation into the mystery surrounding the Virgin Mary explores the many meanings of her life and legacy for all people. $15,000 ad/promo., Join Jon Sweeney as he delves into the mystery, history and imagination surrounding the life and legends of the Virgin Mary. Strange Heaven explores the many meanings of her life and their importance for the rest of human history. Sweeney searches for Mary in the four gospels, the non-canonical Gnostic gospels, the Qur'an, medieval and Renaissance art, mystical writings of figures such as Beatrice of Nazareth and Anne Catherine Emmerich, the teachings of Bernard of Clairvaux, Martin Luther and various little-known mystics, contemporary novels and art, and throughout twenty centuries of the Christian imagination. The result is a satisfying feast of information and lore. But more importantly, Strange Heaven offers a glimpse into how the Incarnation placed Mary at the center of salvation history, a role that at once benefits all of us and models what is possible in a relationship with God., Sweeney delves into the mystery, history, and imagination surrounding the life and legends of the Virgin Mary. The text offers a glimpse into how the Incarnation placed Mary at the center of salvation history., An enlightening exploration of the many roles played by Mary over the centuries--and the enduring meaning of her life and legacy for all people, Richly detailed, carefully researched, and imbued with spiritual sensitivity, this study of Mary, the mother of Jesus, delves into the mystery and history surrounding her life and legend. Sweeney includes a wealth of information about the sightings, life, and stories of the Virgin Mary, and explores the many meanings of the blessed mother's life and the celebration of her legacy throughout the ages and around the world. Strange Heaven explores: * The Virgin Mary and the Gospels * Mary, the mother of Jesus in the Epistles of St. Paul * The Blessed Mother in the Gnostic Gospels * Difficult Dogma, Including the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception * Feasts, Titles and Spiritual Practices of the Virgin Mary Praise for Strange Heaven "A rich resource of information, insights and beauty . . . Both critical and reverential, Sweeney offers tribute to a young woman of courage who became Mother of the Lord and then herself an icon for unending prayers of intercession, consolation and thanksgiving." - Bishop Frederick Borsch, Professor of New Testament and Chair of Anglican Studies, Lutheran Theological Seminary "It is incumbent upon us to meditate on the mystery of the feminine, a mystery embodied so powerfully in Mary, a mystery articulated so eloquently in the pages of this book." - Prof. Ron Miller, author, The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice " Reminds us that the powerful love of Mother Mary is not a theory, but a very real presence in our lives." - August Gold, senior minister of the Sacred Center for Spiritual Living in New York City; author, Where Does God Live? and Will God Forgive Me? "Hugely yet concisely informative, Strange Heaven is an elegantly presented overview of the Mother of God's role in the lives of churches, theologians, saints, artists, mythologists and lay devotees." - Jonathan Montaldo, former Director of the Thomas Merton Center; editor, Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Visit Jon Sweeney's blog at www.jonmsweeney.wordpress.com., Richly detailed, carefully researched, and imbued with spiritual sensitivity, this study of Mary, the mother of Jesus, delves into the mystery and history surrounding her life and legend. Sweeney includes a wealth of information about the sightings, life, and stories of the Virgin Mary, and explores the many meanings of the blessed mother's life and the celebration of her legacy throughout the ages and around the world. Strange Heaven explores: - The Virgin Mary and the Gospels - Mary, the mother of Jesus in the Epistles of St. Paul - The Blessed Mother in the Gnostic Gospels - Difficult Dogma, Including the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception - Feasts, Titles and Spiritual Practices of the Virgin Mary Praise for Strange Heaven "A rich resource of information, insights and beauty . . . Both critical and reverential, Sweeney offers tribute to a young woman of courage who became Mother of the Lord and then herself an icon for unending prayers of intercession, consolation and thanksgiving." - Bishop Frederick Borsch, Professor of New Testament and Chair of Anglican Studies, Lutheran Theological Seminary "It is incumbent upon us to meditate on the mystery of the feminine, a mystery embodied so powerfully in Mary, a mystery articulated so eloquently in the pages of this book." - Prof. Ron Miller, author, The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice " Reminds us that the powerful love of Mother Mary is not a theory, but a very real presence in our lives." - August Gold, senior minister of the Sacred Center for Spiritual Living in New York City; author, Where Does God Live? and Will God Forgive Me? "Hugely yet concisely informative, Strange Heaven is an elegantly presented overview of the Mother of God's role in the lives of churches, theologians, saints, artists, mythologists and lay devotees." - Jonathan Montaldo, former Director of the Thomas Merton Center; editor, Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Visit Jon Sweeney's blog at www.jonmsweeney.wordpress.com.

LC Classification NumberBT603.S94 2006