The Virgin of Guadalupe: Theological Reflections of an Anglo-Lutheran Liturgist

by Maxwell E. Johnson University of Notre Dame, Virgil Elizondo

Overview

The appearance of the Virgin Mary on a hill in Guadalupe, Mexico in 1531 is perhaps the central tradition in Latino Catholicism. The vision, allegedly seen by recent convert Juan Diego, signalled the rise of Catholicism in the New World at a time when Protestantism was spreading throughout the old world. So what could a male, anglo protestant liturgist possibly have to say on the subject?

In The Virgin of Guadalupe, Lutheran minister Maxwell Johnson recognizes that this tradition is not only important to Latin American Catholics, but to all Latin American Christians. Acknowledging the significance (if not, necessarily, the historical accuracy) of the appearance of the Virgin is not simply a Roman Catholic need by a necessity for all Christian churches among whom the Hispanic presence is growing. This is shown by the increased commemoration of Juan Diego on December 9, or of the Virgin of Guadalupe herself on December 12, on Protestant calendars. This increased recognition among Protestants coincides with the Pope's canonization of Saint Juan Diego in the summer of 2002.

In step with this movement, Johnson considers the Virgin of Guadalupe from a Lutheran perspective and looks at ways in which she might be received into the evangelical or Protestant tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742522848
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	10/28/2002
Series:	Celebrating Faith: Explorations in Latino Spirituality and Theology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.36(w) x 9.18(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Maxwell E. Johnson, an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is professor of Liturgical Studies at the University of Notre Dame. A frequent contributor to scholarly journals, he is also author of Images of Baptism (2001), and co-author of The Apostolic Tradition: A Commentary (2002).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: An Apologia Chapter 2 The Apparition Narrative Chapter 3 Origins and Development of the Guadalupan Narratives and Image Chapter 4 Modern Roman Catholic Theological Interpretations of the Virgin of Guadalupe Chapter 5 Celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe Chapter 6 The Virgin of Guadalupe in Ecumenical Perspective Chapter 7 Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

Max Johnson, a noted Lutheran liturgical scholar, brings a fresh perspective and a discerning eye to this study of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the maternal protector of all Christians of the Americas. A valuable and original scholarly contribution to a much revered figure.

Lawrence S. Cunningham

A consistently fascinating and surprising exploration—a model of ecumenical and cultural bridge-building. Christians of all stripes—Catholics and Protestants—will profit from this sympathetic study.

Michael Root

This is one of the best studies on this topic by a Lutheran author whose understanding of the subject challenges Roman Catholics as well as Protestants to engage in a thoughtful theological conversation about its significance in establishing a promising ground for an ecumenical perspective aimed at the formation of "a true multicultural, ethnically and racially diverse, and inclusive Christianity in the United States in which the gifts of "the other" are affirmed and valued." This examination of the topic will surely become a classic text in our context and for our generation in our effort to understand the relationship between Theology and culture.

José D. Rodríguez

This is a significant contribution to theology and to Marian literature. Stafford Poole's erudite objections to the apparitions to Juan Diego are historical. As an historian Maxwell Johnson has faced them down, claiming neither too much, nor too little.To have a liturgical scholar of Johnson's stature reflecting theologically on popular piety is encouraging. Johnson's report of the liturgical celebration in some Protestant churches of the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego is astonishing. Obviously Our Lady of Guadalupe has been able to effect what our Lady of Lourdes could not...

Killian McDonnell

Johnson's book shines as a highly significant contribution to the literature on Guadalupe and on the ecumenical movement as a whole.

Catholic Library World

This book brings a neglected aspect of ecumenical dialogue into proper relief, and suggests to us that our diverse pieties may offer a common ground which can serve to diminish familiar denominational barriers. This work gives ecumenically-minded Christians an important complement to the work of the official dialogues.

Louis Weil

Recommended.

Choice Reviews

Recommended.

Choice

Max Johnson, a noted Lutheran liturgical scholar, brings a fresh perspective and a discerning eye to this study of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the maternal protector of all Christians of the Americas. A valuable and original scholarly contribution to a much revered figure.--Lawrence S. Cunningham, John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

This book brings a neglected aspect of ecumenical dialogue into proper relief, and suggests to us that our diverse pieties may offer a common ground which can serve to diminish familiar denominational barriers. This work gives ecumenically-minded Christians an important complement to the work of the official dialogues.--Louis Weil

A consistently fascinating and surprising exploration--a model of ecumenical and cultural bridge-building. Christians of all stripes--Catholics and Protestants--will profit from this sympathetic study.--Michael Root, Edward C. Fendt Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary

From the Publisher

Recommended.

CHOICE

This is one of the best studies on this topic by a Lutheran author whose understanding of the subject challenges Roman Catholics as well as Protestants to engage in a thoughtful theological conversation about its significance in establishing a promising ground for an ecumenical perspective aimed at the formation of "a true multicultural, ethnically and racially diverse, and inclusive Christianity in the United States in which the gifts of "the other" are affirmed and valued." This examination of the topic will surely become a classic text in our context and for our generation in our effort to understand the relationship between Theology and culture.

José D. Rodríguez