The presentation seeks to dispel images of Mary as “meek” and “mild” and replace them with understandings of a brave, radical teenage girl. Exploring stories of Mary’s spiritual sisters from the Hebrew Bible, Miriam and Hannah, leads us to appreciate Mary’s courage and theology. Textual exegesis combines with images, music, and video in this engaging presentation. With Advent and Christmas fast approaching, we hope you will gain fascinating insights about Christianity’s most famous woman.

The Rev. Dr. Julie Faith Parker is Professor of Biblical Studies and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible from Yale University (awarded with distinction), an S.T.M. from Yale Divinity School, an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary (New York), and a B.A. from Hamilton College (Phi Beta Kappa). She is ordained in the United Methodist Church and has authored or edited seven books and many articles.