Jan. 13 -- GOSHEN -- In an exploration of faith, history and storytelling, Judith M. Davis has published "Finding the Virgin Mary: Her Evolving Stories from Early Christianity to Modernity" (McFarland Publishing, 2024). Davis is professor emerita of French and Humanities at Goshen College, and "Finding the Virgin Mary" is available at Fables Bookstore in downtown Goshen.

"The first Christians were curious about the mother of Jesus, who is mentioned only a few times in the New Testament," Davis said. Stories about Mary began to appear in the second century and expanded beyond the accepted biblical texts, making Mary a dynamic figure in salvation history.

Davis translated and interpreted these stories, beginning with a second-century "gospel" and ending with the Internet. Her book features:

-- Early Christian Narratives -- Mary as a chosen child, her presence at the Last Supper, and her vital role in the work of the church after Jesus' death.

-- Medieval Miracles -- Tales of Mary's miraculous interventions on behalf of sinners, offering physical healing as well as snatching souls from the ever-present Devil.