‘The Goddess Kali and the Virgin Mary, in Australian Electronic Journal of Theology. 19.1 (April 2012) 43-57.

Abstract: Comparative theology as defined by F. X. Clooney is rich in possibilities and able to lead in surprising directions. This article shows how an appreciation of the ferocious goddess Kali can, unexpectedly, lead to a heightened appreciation of the texts concerning the Virgin Mary. It gives a necessarily brief survey of the varied descriptions of Kali which, intentionally, defy any categorisation. In order to answer the questions put by some of her typical features, it studies, exegetically, a small number of texts concerning Mary, and only a few aspects of those texts, and leads to valuable new perspectives on the Blessed Mother. It does not consider the historicity of the Biblical episodes, but looks only at the evangelists’ presentation of the personages and the theology. Lastly, it asks that if Jesus, surprisingly to many in his day, was called ‘the Christ’, can Mary be called ‘the Kali’.

Key Words: F.X. Clooney; Comparative Theology; Kali; Mary; Holy Spirit; energy;