Mart as a Central Figure in Christianity

Question 1

Why was visual depictions of Mary created?

Answer 1

• Many couldn’t read, so the bible was unaffordable + inaccessible to most
• There’s paintings, stained glass windows that bring the biblical stories alive.
• Few images of her in Islam due to proscription are against creation of images of sentient beings, they would distract from God. (Protestants also dislike paintings)

Question 2

What Goddess’ do some Scholars believe she is influenced by? (hint 3)

Answer 2

• Roman Goddess Diana
• Pagen/Egyptian Goddess Isis
• Norse Goddess Freya

Question 3

Name some affects of artistic portrayals of Mary

Answer 3

• influenced by particular historical, local and cultural context.
• Pictured as a range of different ethnic groups - making her relatable +attractive to people from different back grounds.
• Political/religious leaders attempt to control aspects of her image e.g. B.E dominate her reputation of ‘imperial and queenly’ (especially blue cloak - lapis lazuli, empress colour + symbol of imperial cult also worth more than gold.)

Question 4

How do Christians picture Mary?

Answer 4

• Saint
• Queen of Heaven
• Blessed Virgin
• Second Eve
• Bride of God
• Mother of God
• Mother of the Church.

Question 5

What are Doctrines?

Answer 5

• Officially acknowledge as essential teachings by church leadership.
• Virigin birth identified + acknowledged as essential Christian belief (1st council of Nicea).

Question 6

Who was Augustine?

Answer 6

• He was a philosopher who wrote about ‘the original sin’ aka sex
• Meaning Mary needed to be celibate as his idea was influential Mary was seen as an inspirational model for asceticism(self discipline) and celibacy, influencing monastic (monk) practises.
• The Dogma of Marys immaculate conception is essential in Roman Catholic faith, free from the original sin ( Pope Pius IX)

Question 7

What did the council of Ephesus do that was so important?

Answer 7

• Declared Mary to be Theotokas (Mother of God)
• It signalled church leaders official approval of devotion to virgin Mary.
• Seen as important development

Question 8

What do Female Theologists think to Marys image?

Answer 8

• Male church leaders promoted representations of Mary as a model of female compliance + quiet submissiveness, a tool for the oppression of women.
• Her virginity linked to repression + fear of female sexuality.
• Idea of her being a serene mother + spotless virgin contributes to the image of a ‘good’ women, this confronts women with unrealistic expectations.
• Assign women to ‘ a secondary position within the church’ + deny ‘ women active + independent roles in the ministry’ + excludes them from priestly ordination as they are in R.C

Question 9

What’s the Magnificat?

Answer 9

• Song of praise in Luke

- Interpreted as revolutionary challenging social order.