Things Authors of Mary, Mother of the Son love to hear

Sundry letters from the mailbag with reactions to the trilogy:

Got a note this morning from the friend to whom I had lent my “Mary” set (the cradle Catholic who left the Church early, was “saved” and married among our Evangelical Proddy brethren, and now — a few decades and children later — is feeling a strong Churchward pull, even as he anticipates the difficulties it will cause among his family and friends):

“Ok, these books are killing me (only half through the first Mary volume). I have not investigated any of his research, so do not have sound proofs for his facts, but they are too easy to follow and way too easy to believe. I would think these should be making HUGE waves in the evangelical circles. Soon he should be shunned. 🙂

Well up until now this has sort of been investigation, Mass-on-the-side sort of thing.

Now I am thinking I might not be able to keep that up, since it is starting to look like the truth.”

He’s now thinking about buying a set to give his current pastor, from whom he expects a lot of flak, once his intent to return home to Rome becomes known. (Sorry if that last bit sounded too Jesse Jackson.) Thought you might like to know.

And please do let me know when the Second Printing is in, as I do want to buy another set, appropriately defaced by you on the frontspiece.

***

Thanks for sending the books out. I have just finished the second one, and just wanted to say that they are fantastic. I have always struggled with the Marian dogmas (except the Theotokos), not because of hostility, but because of the extra-Scriptural thing, and also because I didn’t see the point. Your books have really illuminated it for me, and I just thought you would like to know that your books have increased my love for Mary and for her Son.

Many blessings to you and yours!!!

***

I have been reading your volumes about Mary (i’m through volume II…I know, I’m not breaking any speed reading records), and I wanted to thank you for the relatable insights regarding several issues I have had struggled with regarding Mary. I am ashamed to admit that my overall knowledge about Mary was typically “evangelical,” and I chuckled with familiarity when you mentioned the “willies” you had regarding any honor or veneration of the Blessed Virgin prior to your conversion to Catholicism.

I can tell you specifically that the turning point for me was when I read pp. 150-151 in vol. II of your book. It was as if years of prejudice, ignorance, and pride were washed away in that moment. Coming from a scandnavian Lutheran background, it was assumed, if not taught outright, that all humans were nasty, brutish, and vile if left to their own devices (which is true). That leaves an indelible mark on your outlook towards creation in general, and humans in particular. I realize it sounds remedial, but finally understanding that although sin is the norm for humankind (because of our fallen nature); it is not natural. And if humans are made by their Creator (which they obviously are) in the image of God, then I cannot maintain the dissonant thinking that all human beings are essentially sinful by nature and then continue to believe that Jesus was without sin without denying his humanity. Clearly, the road to be more fully human is to become more like Jesus. Therefore, to believe Mary was without sin and was assumed into heaven is not antithetical to orthodox Christian faith, but is vital, and profoundly provides an example of God’s full grace in the person of Mary – Mother of God.

This is the real reason I write stuff. I love it when some glorious truth of God that has liberated me gets passed on and the lights come on for somebody else. Thrilling!