Mary Quote by Phyllis Chesler
““Mary, mother of Jesus, pays for her maternity by giving up her body, almost entirely: she foregoes both (hetero) sexual pleasure (Christ's birth is a virgin and "spiritual" birth) and physical prowess. She has no direct worldly power but, like her crucified son, is easily identified with by many people, especially women, as a powerless figure. Mary symbolizes power achieved through receptivity, compassion, and a uterus. (There's nothing intrinsically wrong with a consciously willed "receptivity" to the universe; on the contrary, it is highly desirable, and should certainly include "receptivity" to many things other than holy sperm and suffering.)””
About This Quote
Mary is portrayed as powerful through surrender, compassion, and receptivity rather than direct authority.
In simple terms: Power can come from openness and nurturing.
Key Takeaway
Embrace receptive strength.
Themes
receptivity
compassion
female empowerment
spiritual symbolism
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
aphilosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- religious reflection
- personal growth
- social activism
Key Concepts
theology
gender studies
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can receptivity be a source of power?
- What limits does surrender impose?
A Different Perspective
May overlook agency in suffering.
![“The Cross was the place of your spiritual birth; it must ever be the spot for renewing your health, for it is the sanatorium of every sin-sick soul. The blood is the true balm of Gilead; it is the only catholicon [remedy] which heals every spiritual disease.” quote by Charles Spurgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/charles-spurgeon-82_birth_the-cross-was-the-place-of-your-spiritua_1881628.jpg)
![“I've always been a fan of [Mary Elizabeth Winstead's]. She gets to do some fun action-y stuff she brings this gritty swashbuckle to. I think there's a lot of movies that have women in peril running away from the scarier things and then end up being saved by a man, so it's great to see this…” quote by Dan Trachtenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c1/dan-trachtenberg-23598_action_i-ve-always-been-a-fan-of-mary-elizabeth_27377.jpg)
