Join Chine McDonald as she deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood that has been shaped by presentations of Mary.

For two thousand years, Mary, mother of Jesus, has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman. Join Chine McDonald, author of Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood as she deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood that has been shaped by presentations of Mary, and shines a light on the little talked-about shadow side of motherhood, as well as exploring how maternal imagery of God can help liberate us all.  

About Chine McDonald

Chine is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day. My first book ‘Am I Beautiful?’ – explored body image among women of faith. Chine's second book God Is Not a White Man? was published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2021. Her upcoming book Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood, will be published in February 2025. Chine is the director of Theos, the religion and society think-tank and, in her spare time, she sits on a number of charity boards, including Greenbelt Festival and Christian Aid.