Behold Your Mother, by Tim Staples. Catholic Answers, Inc., 2014.
When Staples began writing this book, he wondered why
Catholics were so wrapped up in Mary and seemed to be neglecting the Son Jesus. At the end of the introduction, "Why Mary Matters," he was ready to write: “Mary was chosen by God to be his most perfect creation to bring Jesus to the world and to bring the world to Jesus." Mariology is not an optional addition to the Faith. It is in truly beholding the Mother of God that one sees her divine Son.
The author, who had a complete turnaround in his religious thoughts, was able to write this detailed book with these chapters:
a) Mother of God
b) Full of Grace
c) Ever-Virgin
d) Assumed into heaven
e) Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix
Staples shows in the Church teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary, their scriptural and historical roots and dismantles the objection of those who believe that Mary competes for the attention due Christ alone.
“From perpetual virginity to divine maternity, from the Immaculate Conception to the Assumption, the Church’s core Marian teachings are intertwined with the mysteries of Christ. In a nutshell, Mary matters.”
The author gives clear presentations of the controversial issues surrounding each doctrine, makes
careful definitions and distinctions, and thinks his way through every issue as if he were having a conversation with the reader. This book is well supplied with supportive articles from great writers who give thoughtful material for each item about Mary. This book is like a small library on Mary.
- Thanks to Sr. Irene Hartman OP for this review.
