Memento mori: Life, Death and Faith at the Edges of Motherhood

In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen mocks the trope of mothers dying in childbirth, describing the mother of Catherine Morland as living on, despite dying while bringing her into the world 'as anybody might expect'. Despite the dark humour, Austen points to a truth that is little acknowledged: that motherhood provides a unique perspective on mortality. In this session, Chine McDonald will explore themes at the threshold of life, death, faith, and grief through exploring imagery of the Pieta - Mary cradling her son Jesus's lifeless body, and themes from her latest book on motherhood. 

Speakers

Chine McDonald

Chine McDonald read Theology at Cambridge University before training as a newspaper journalist. She is now head of public engagement at Christian Aid, and is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day.