Nomad Podcast Chine McDonald - Unmaking Motherhood: Faith, Family, and Feminism (N341)
Mar 24, 2025
Chine McDonald, Director of Theos and author of "Unmaking Mary," challenges the idealized image of motherhood shaped by rigid religious narratives. She shares her journey from evangelical upbringing to motherhood, discussing how cultural perceptions of figures like Mary influence expectations. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of striving for perfection, grappling with maternal guilt, and embracing imperfections as grace. Emphasizing an inclusive theological perspective, McDonald advocates for a broader definition of motherhood that acknowledges diverse experiences.
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Idealized Motherhood vs Reality
- Chine McDonald eagerly awaited motherhood, expecting it to be the pinnacle of womanhood.
- Her ideal was a serene, beautiful mother with perfect children, which clashed with her later experience.
Gender Bias in Theology
- Theology and motherhood have historically been separate because theology was dominated by men.
- Women's experiences, especially maternal, were excluded from theological considerations for centuries.
Mary Shapes Motherhood Ideals
- Mary is the universal archetype of motherhood depicted as serene and devoted.
- Cultural expectations of motherhood are shaped by shifting portrayals of Mary across history.
