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The Real Mary: Why Evangelical Christians Can Embrace the Mother of Jesus

Reviewed by Kevin Scott.

Scot McKnight is the Karl A Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University. He has written nearly twenty books and commentaries specializing in historical Jesus studies as well as the Gospels and the New Testament.

Do not be put off reading this book by its style. The early conversational asides to the reader (“No kidding!” p.1), and fanciful descriptions (“...the angel appeared and brought from under his wings a special envelope with the heavenly news ...” p.7) soon pass.

McKnight’s quality as a New Testament scholar are evident. There is well-researched information about 1st Century Palestine, the honour code and Messianic aspirations amongst 1st Century Jews. Among his biblical material, lively passages include his reflection on the Magnificat and his commentary on the wedding at Cana. There is also a good description of apocryphal Gospel material. His consideration of Roman Catholic doctrine is at the same time honest, informative and respectful.

Despite McKnight’s scholarship, though, there are elements which will grate. Within his reconstructions of Mary’s life, there are assumptions presented as fact: “[Mary] knew from the pages of her people’s history ...” (p.13); “Mary was a muscular, wiry woman ...” (p.27). He not only makes no reference to the Isaiah 7.14/Matthew 1.23 problem, but asserts: “No one disputes that Isaiah’s seventh chapter predicted that Jesus would be born of a virgin ...”. He must move in very confined theological circles! McKnight points out that Mary has been the subject of projection by countless interest groups over the centuries. Yet here he presents a very Protestant Mary: she has regular quiet times; she loves the Scriptures; she has a personal relationship with God.

Nevertheless, in this book you will find a compelling exploration of a demythologised Mary. McKnight is particularly strong in his consideration of Mary’s struggle as she journeys from mother to disciple, from which he draws pertinent and challenging lessons for Christians today. This book will fill in many gaps for theologically trained readers and inform those who have never considered the person and vocation of Mary.