Christians in different traditions have held widely varying atti tudes toward Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Some have revered and venerated her; others have virtually ignored her. In accord with the ecumenical spirit of recent years, this book was written in the hope that all Christians "may find in Mary resources for reconcilia- tion rather than conflict."

John Macquarrie, one of Britain's most distinguished theolo- gians, explains the basic beliefs held about Mary in the Christian church, dealing with questions that have until recently been matters of fierce controversy: the Marian dogmas and Catholic devotions.

Macquarrie first relates Mary to the current debates in the church concerning the place of the feminine in Christian teaching about God and salvation, then takes up the question of Mary's place in Christian doctrine: what is meant by talk of her Immaculate Conception? Or her Assumption into heaven? How should we understand honorific Latin titles such as Corredemptrix?

Macquarrie discusses these questions by considering on the one hand Mary's place and function in the Christian scheme of salvation, and on the other her place within the Church. A final chapter raises the issue of Mary's place in Christian prayer and devotion, and contrasts the values advocated in this context with those popular in secular society today.