For many Protestants the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church in relation to Mary has been mysterious and inscrutable. It has caused them to pull away from Mary and assume that doctrines about Mary are simply false. New questions are being raised. Is Protestantism too masculine? Why are all of its symbols male? Are there neglected positive elements for Protestants in Mary? How is the veneration of Mary related to Biblical faith?Dr. Ruether's book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Mary's role in the vital doctrine of the contemporary church. In this unique study, she brings together much hard-to-find material. Her careful Biblical scholarship enables us to reclaim a long-ignored part of our religious tradition. Useful for women's and other adult study groups, this book includes helps for study leaders.