The Decline of Interest in Mariology as a Theological Problem
The D ecline of Interest in Mariolog y as a Theolog ical Problem
Charles W. Neumann 0
0 Part of the Catholic Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thou ght, The ology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
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In his Seven Lamps of Architecture John Ruskin advises
that it is not the calumny that does the largest sum of mischief
in the world, but rather "the glistening and softly spoken lie,
the amiable fallacy," what he calls "the zealous lie of the
partisan, the merciful lie of the friend, and the careless lie of
each man to himself." To qualify the present state of Mari
ology in terms other than decline of interest would be to
expose oneself to telling such a lie. Determined not to do so,
we ought nonetheless to reCO§nize that not all the picture is
bleak. Monsignor Austin Vaughan eloquently sketched it for
us in balanced terms of challenge and hope last year in his
presidential address. Our investigation opens with some of
the evidence on which his case for the balanced verdict rests.
1) Status of Marian Literature
The annual survey of Marian literature that Father Eamon
Carroll has been giving us, along with Rene Laurentin's
biennial Bulletin sur Ia Vierge Marie, would not suggest that
the presses have stopped rolling for Marian authors, still less
that the authors have laid down their pen. Obviously the
volume of titles is well below the mark of the flood of writing
t.bat followed on the Marian celebrations of the 1950's, when
for the period 1958-1966 Besutti's bibliography listed more than
7000 titles. Since 1966, in fact, their number has drastically
dwindled. But, in.the opinion of Gerard Philips, "the quality
of the scientific works is meanwhile on the rise," and "the
ipterest in action rather than in the analysis of abstract essences
can be a guaranteeof realism. " He is happy over a literature
which, though less abundant, will be "marked by a more
dynamic character,''1 to the ultimate benefit of Marian
theology.
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2) Wider Interest in Study of Mary
A diminution in the number of works specifically on Mary,
moreover, has been somewhat compensated for by the treatment
given her in works outside the field of Mariology. Laurentin
observes that "often beyond Mariological boundaries it is in
the detour some qualified specialist makes . . . that one can
find insights that are scattered through a variety of publica
tions."2 Fr. Carroll too notes that some of the most important
considerations "occur within books and essays dealing with
other theological topics." 3 In the light of the oft-lamented
particularism of Mariology this development is one of the
most promising.
The bibliographical surveys will also reveal that unusually
significant contributions are being made not in book form but
in periodicals, "where a good half of scientific research is
carried on today." 4 Among scholarly Marian periodicals
Ephemerides Mariologicae, especially since its reorientation in
1970, promises well. 5 Marianum has met with harsher judg
ment,6 though here again opinions are divided. 7
In his most recent bibliographical Bulletin Laurentin sum
marized the situation as follows:
The diminution in Marian writings is less than at first sight
apThe D.ecline of Interest in Mariology
15
pears. Certainly they are more reserved and have smaller press
runs. Studies on mediation, coredemption, and queenship, so numer
ous from 1926 to 1960, have fallen to almost nothing, but other
sectors are expanding-patristic theology, the theology of the Holy
Spirit, Christian anthropology, and ecumenism. Studies on Mary's
virginity are multiplying because of the questions raised by cur
rents of thought on demythologization and sexuality. In quantity
the amount of literature surpasses the low stage prior to the flood
released by the Marian celebrations of 1950-58. Sobriety and a
critical sense may have replaced generosity of expression, but stand
ards and quality have gone up.8
3) Ecumenical Study of Mary
What is most significant from an ecumenical viewpoint is
the number of constructive books and articles about the Virgin
Mary authored by Protestants, a development without parallel
since the 17th century. Especially in Germany during the last
decade several impressive works characterized by a concern
for correctness have appeared on the origin of Marian devotion,
on Luther's thought concerning Mary, as well as in critique
of Catholic positions.9 Interest in Mary ecumenically has not
yet taken the form of specialized dialogues of the kind held
among Catholics and Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and
others, on Baptism, the Eucharist, and the ministry. An evo
lution as a whole, however, is taking place in the direction
indicated by Vatican II and comprising the investigation of bib
lical and patristic sources, a return to essentials in the portrait
of Mary, a shedding of artifice, and so an .
Unique in the field of specialized systematic theology and
belying any unqualified assertion that interest in Mary is (...truncated)