“The Book of Mary: A Commentary on the Protoevangelium of James, Edition 2” by Michael P. Closs has received acclaim from Haley Koth of the US Review of Books. Koth highlighted that
“He guides readers step by step through a meticulously crafted commentary, into which he evidently poured his heart and soul. It is a beautiful guide for anyone interested in delving more deeply into the origins of Christianity.”
This commentary explores the Protoevangelium of James, an ancient text considered a key resource for the Gospel writers. Closs begins with an introduction to the Gospel of Mark, suggesting that Mark drew from the Protoevangelium, particularly regarding the messianic secret. The book presents the ancient text in its entirety, accompanied by footnotes offering historical context, biblical perspectives, semantic details, and interpretations of the events described, based on Mary’s testimony.
Closs’ work is thoroughly researched and carefully crafted. He opens with background on the Gospel of Mark, who likely drew primarily from the Protoevangelium, especially in relation to the messianic secret. After this introduction, Closs presents the Protoevangelium itself, based on Mary’s testimony regarding her birth, childhood, Immaculate Conception, and the birth of Jesus. The full text is included, with footnotes for each verse providing historical context, biblical parallels between Mary’s story and Old Testament figures, semantic insights, and interpretations of key events.
The commentary encourages readers to think critically about familiar Gospel stories and to “insert ourselves into the narrative.” Closs demonstrates compassion for historical figures, acknowledging, for example, the spiritual pain experienced by both Joseph and Mary during the Immaculate Conception. He critiques other scholars, supporting his conclusions with evidence and anticipating criticism by providing solid resources and background for his arguments. His meticulous guidance through the commentary reflects his dedication to the subject, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in Christianity’s origins.
Ultimately, The Book of Mary underscores the importance of the Protoevangelium of James as a foundational text for the Gospel stories. It offers a fresh perspective, interpreting it not as an early Christian text but as a late Jewish text with prophetic implications for the New Testament. Through historical context and critical analysis, Closs challenges readers to engage deeply with the roots of Christian narratives.
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends “The Book of Mary: A Commentary on the Protoevangelium of James Edition 2” by Michael P. Closs. Here’s the review from the USRB that highlights:
“This is a thorough, insightful, and diligent commentary on an ancient text that is not widely known yet forms the basis of the Gospel stories Christians are intimately familiar with. Closs gently encourages readers to think critically of the stories they may have taken for granted, to “insert ourselves into the narrative,” as he states at one point. He shows great compassion for the historical figures, noting, for example, that the immaculate conception of Mary “would be a nightmare for any woman, to find herself pregnant and not know how it happened. The entire scene is very spiritually painful to both Joseph and Mary.” He provides bold critiques of other scholars but offers sufficient evidence to back up his conclusions. He also anticipates criticism of his own positions by preemptively providing solid resources and background for his arguments. He guides readers step-by-step through a meticulously crafted commentary, into which he evidently poured his heart and soul. It is a beautiful guide for anyone interested in delving more deeply into the origins of Christianity.”