BOOK GROUP

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Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre:  Why do Catholic say that Mary was sinless, when the Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”? And how can they believe that Mary was assumed into heaven, when the Bible says nothing about it? Most important of all, why do Catholics give Mary so much honor? Is the Catholic veneration of Mary really “idolatry”?

In this eye-opening presentation, Dr. Pitre shines the light of the Old Testament on Mary, the mother of Jesus. He shows how three ancient Jewish images help us to understand Catholic beliefs about Mary:

1. The New Eve: If Jesus is the new Adam, then who is the New Eve? What are the implications of Mary’s identity as the New Eve for the dogma of the Immaculate Conception?

2. The New Ark of the Covenant: If Jesus is the new Manna from heaven, then where is the New Ark? Dr. Pitre shows how Jewish beliefs about the lost Ark of the Covenant give profound revelations into who Mary is and her bodily Assumption into heaven.

3. The New Queen Mother: If Jesus is the new Davidic King, then who is the new Queen? In the Old Testament, the Queen wasn’t the king’s wife, but his mother. Dr. Pitre shows how Mary’s identity as “Queen Mother” (Hebrew gebirah) is the key for unlocking Catholic devotion to her, and the difference between honoring Mary and worshiping God.

If you are looking to understand the biblical roots of Catholic beliefs about Mary, the Mother of God, then look no further: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary is the perfect presentation for yourself or a friend or family member who wants to understand what the Bible really teaches about the Virgin from Nazareth.

Sacred Heart's Book Group will meet the following days: March 25 and April 8 and 22. Sign up at Flocknote to receive all Book Group announcements. Hope to see you soon!