Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood
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Trailblazing author, journalist and theologian Chine McDonald joins us to discuss new her new book.
For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.
In this part-memoir, part social and theological commentary, Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood and shines a light on the dark side of parenting. From birth trauma to post-natal depression, from infertility to the mental load, the motherhood penalty and pressures on women to be and have it all – especially in the church – this book attempts to liberate motherhood from the chains in which it has been placed, reconstructing a more authentic, grace-filled way forward for the most important job in the world.
Born in Nigeria, Chine moved to the UK at the age of four and went on to read theology & religious studies at Cambridge University. She is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day.
Chine is director of Theos, the religion and society think tank, vice-chair at Greenbelt Festival and sits on the board of trustees at Christian Aid.
Trailblazing author, journalist and theologian Chine McDonald joins us to discuss new her new book.
For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.
In this part-memoir, part social and theological commentary, Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood and shines a light on the dark side of parenting. From birth trauma to post-natal depression, from infertility to the mental load, the motherhood penalty and pressures on women to be and have it all – especially in the church – this book attempts to liberate motherhood from the chains in which it has been placed, reconstructing a more authentic, grace-filled way forward for the most important job in the world.
Born in Nigeria, Chine moved to the UK at the age of four and went on to read theology & religious studies at Cambridge University. She is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day.
Chine is director of Theos, the religion and society think tank, vice-chair at Greenbelt Festival and sits on the board of trustees at Christian Aid.
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