Discovering Mary is a great introduction to the study of the Mother of God. Former Episcopalian David Mills lays out the essential information about what Catholics (and others) believe about Mary based on Scripture and Tradition. He asks questions that most people curious of Mary would ask about her - questions like “What is the Immaculate Conception? What is the Assumption? What do these and other subjects mean? Along with a summary history about each topic, he explains why there is more about Mary from Tradition than there is from the Scriptures; in order to do so, he also explains exactly what is meant by “Tradition.”

Mills also addresses the usual objections that Protestants have about Mary, including her title as “Mother of God,” and specifies why Catholics and others like the Orthodox hold Mary to be so honored. He also refutes a common Protestant accusation that Catholics and the Orthodox worship Mary and treat her as being nearly at the same level as God.

Mills also addresses common objections that Protestants have about the Catholic treatment of Mary, including her title as “Mother of God.” He specifies why Catholics and others like the Orthodox hold Mary to be so honored. He also refutes a common Protestant accusation that Catholics and the Orthodox worship Mary and treat her as being nearly at the same level as God.

In addition to exploring Mary in the Bible and in doctrine, Mills discusses the feast days of Mary, her titles, and the various devotions, apparitions, and prayers involving her. Some of the same questions and answers appear more than once. This is an effective teaching method - the more something is read or heard about, the more it will be remembered.

Endnotes are provided, along with a bibliography for further reading and study that includes not only books and articles but also websites. This wonderful introduction to Mary and what the Church teaches and believes about her is highly recommended to those interested in knowing more about Mary, the Mother of God.

David Mills is the former editor of Touchstone magazine. He is the author of Knowing the Real Jesus (2001), editor of The Pilgrim’s Guide: C.S. Lewis and the Art of Witness (1999), and a columnist for various Catholic publications.