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Influence Of The Virgin Mary In Anglo-Saxon Christianity, Kimberly Merfert

Honors Theses

Though it remains unclear when Christianity was first introduced to England, it is certain Christianity was established by the early third century. It was not until the beginning of the seventh century, however, that Christianity flourished in Anglo-Saxon England, bringing with it a new understanding of the feminine role. Once enthralled by the coming of Jesus Christ, worshippers of the Virgin Mary idealized the Mother of God as the realization of the ideals of purity, humility, and passivity. They defined Saint Mary by her sinlessness, valuing her unbreakable virginity as a symbol of unparalleled strength, responsibility, and holiness. Mary herself …