Author: Ashe, Geoffrey

Despite her high enthronement in the Catholic Church, the mother of Christ - both chaste goddess and earth mother - has her origins in the female deities of pre-Christian religions. This masterly exploration of the cult of Mary examines ancient myths, theology, history, literature, and feminine spirituality to throw new light on the role of Mary in today's Church. Tracing the cult from its origins to today's re-subordination of Mary to Christ, Ashe also illuminates the spiritual battle of the sexes, which still remains unresolved. 288 pp.