This podcast is a fascinating presentation on "Mary as Icon and the Feminine Genius." Although I don't necessarily agree with all of it, it's vital for conversation on the Feminine in Catholicism to continue. I've been working on this idea for a long time that the Catholic community is more matriarchal than most people anticipate: all the Marian shrines in yards, decals on cars, prayer cards, bedside statues, pendants, flowers, candles and rosaries evidence a feminine prominence. Future archaeologists will likely look back on Catholics and determine their practice as matriarchal, based solely on these common items.
Mary, in this podcast, is referred to as both the Tabernacle (Even the picture of the Tabernacle in the image above, which is referenced in the podcast, is vaginal) and as the Mother of the New Covenant. It's very important to put words to these concepts, which are often vaguely accepted in the background without much thought. Not only do these ideas about Mary reinforce Catholicism's connections with Pagan folklore and spirituality, but also empower women in the Church more than the patriarchal hierarchy has for centuries. As women are the most active laypeople, at least in America, a communal understanding of being more than fundraisers, Sunday School teachers and secretaries (read: assistants) could be a valuable foothold in the Catholic community.
Also, I just had no idea how profound Eastern Orthodox iconography is. Here I just thought it was a way of saying "look at all our money!"
No comments:
Post a Comment