Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God In the Word of God by Scott Hahn (2001-09-01) Paperback – 1877

Scott Hahn has climbed the mountain on behalf of all of us who, whilst believing in the dogmas of the Blessed Virgin's Immaculate Conception and her Assumption body and soul into heaven, could not easily support our faith in these interpretations of scripture with an accurate understanding of how and why they naturally arise from the Bible and the teachings of the Church Fathers. As a former evangelical Protestant minister he is well versed in all the arguments used by Protestant Christians to castigate the One True Holy Roman Catholic Church for its veneration and deep love for the Virgin Mary. In searching for the truth about Mary, Scott found all the answers to his questions were to be found in Roman Catholic beliefs and so he made the courageous step of becoming a Catholic.His writing style and arguments are elegant and simply explained with good-natured humour and an obvious enthusiasm of his subject, so that this book may be read by anyone - a Doctorate in Theology is not required! If the reader comes with an open heart and an open mind and a true desire to know the truth about Our Lady and how she was elevated to the position of Queen of Heaven by the will of her Divine Son, then this book's enormous riches will not disappoint.It is a real achievement to have made the explanation of the profound, deep and holy mysteries of Our Lady's role in Christ's redemptive work accessible to everyman.

I re-read "Hail Holy Queen" this year, finishing it just in time for the Solemnity of the Assumption, and I was glad I did. I was reminded not only of why as Catholics we celebrate this feast but realised again the importance of Mary for Christian doctrine and for Christian living. For example, Scott Hahn demonstrates how a defence of the Mary's virginity protects us and the Church from heresies that would lead some to question either the divinity of Christ, or His humanity. He explains also what Lumen Gentium states: "Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit."With reference to St Athanasius, Prof. Hahn also reveals how through Mary "The Son of God became a son of man, so that sons of men might become sons of God." As a convert to Catholicism I can readily understand the reluctance that non-Catholics have in accepting the place of honour and the veneration that we give to Mary. Prof. Hahn too understands "Mary-phobia" first-hand as he was a Protestant pastor used to preaching against Catholicism, but he makes the point very clear indeed - that although Mary is recorded by Sacred Scripture as saying very little, Sacred Scripture has, in fact, much to say about Her.The book is written in the same easy to follow style that characterises all of Scott Hahn's books, making Theology accessible without over simplification, adding a personal touch without mawkishness. It is also a book that you can read with a Bible on your lap for reference, thus assisting in a deepening love and understanding of and for Sacred Scripture. It is perfect for individuals to learn more about the Marian aspects of the Catholic faith and would serve well as a main text for a study group.

A really interesting book, well written, not too heavy but tackling a fairly contentious subject.As someone who was raised Catholic, who became an enthusiastic born again Protestant Christian, but who is now being led back to her Catholic roots, this book has helped me to understand the important place Mary occupies in the doctrine of the Catholic church. I am delighted to find that there are many places in the Old Testament which look forward to Mary as the 'new Eve' and the 'Ark of the (New) Covenant'. Scott Hahn's arguments are very logical, compelling and particularly interesting as they come from a serious theologian who was himself once a committed protestant but who has since come into the RC church.I would recommend this book to anyone wondering what Catholics believe about the Blessed Virgin Mary and who want reassurance that these beliefs are not at all 'idolatrous' but rather add a wonderful depth and richness to the Christian faith.

From an Evangelical approach this appreciation of Mary's role in God's plan is an enrichment for Catholics. Highly recommended. It is not a difficult, but definitely an enriching read.

SuperlativeThis book gave me a much deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, our Lady's role in salvation. Alongside True Devotion by Saint Louis de Montfort, this is one of the books I would not hesitate to recommend for anyone wishing to appreciate more fully the central role of the Mother of God in our salvation.

Scott Hanhn is good value

Excellent book. Still reading

Excellent book. Very readable.