Mary and the Gospel Narratives

This first chapter in the book lays foundations for later chapters which cite New Testament references to Mary. The passages which include Mary are summarized, along with interpretations by patristic theologians that led to Marian doctrines in East and West. The views of contemporary writers are also discussed. The gospels are analysed independently, revealing a development from a brief and rather minimal mention of Mary in Mark’s Gospel to greater emphasis in Matthew, Luke, and John. Those familiar with the Western traditions of Mary may be surprised to learn that, while a tradition of a first resurrection appearance of Christ to Mary originating in the gospels was posited in the West but then rejected, it was accepted by some important theologians in the East. It follows that there is an argument for Mary’s presence in sight of the cross being recorded not only in John, but in all four gospels.