This paper explores the theme of Mary’s holiness in the field of Mariology, which is the systematic study of Mary and her role in salvation history. It asks whether we should emphasize her Immaculate Conception or her human historical life when considering her life of sanctity. Recent studies have shown one-sided tendencies. Some studies have emphasized her Immaculate Conception to the diminishment of her life as a poor Jewish woman in first-century Palestine. The danger here is to turn Mary into a transcendent symbol. Other studies have emphasized her historical life at the expense of her divinely appointed role as the God-bearer. The danger here is to shortchange her role in the economy of salvation. This capstone project engages scholars who display these two tendencies and argues for a more holistic integration of both her special role in salvation history, indicated by her Immaculate Conception, and her liberating holiness as a first-century Jewish woman on the margins.

Professor Randall Rosenberg has been a big help in my research and development into theological research. He was my instructor as a junior for a theology class and I was excited to have his encouraging personality as my capstone teacher. Beyond that I knew I wanted to do an independent study with him, because he helped me develop my topic of Mariology and the Immaculate Conception. He has had a big impact on me talking through post-graduate opportunities as a woman in Theology, as well as teaching. I aspire to have his knowledge and perspective in theology as I grow further in my academic career.