The Gospel of Mary: A Fresh Translation and Holistic Approach

by Mark M. Mattison

Lost and forgotten for more than a thousand years, the only ancient Gospel named after a woman apostle emerged from the sands of Egypt just over a century ago. Originally written in Greek early in the second century and later translated into Coptic, Mary Magdalene's Gospel comes to vivid life in this fresh translation with contemporary reflections on the ancient wisdom of this recovered treasure.Note on the cover artwork: The title format on the front cover is patterned after the inscription at the conclusion of the fifth-century Coptic text of the Gospel According to Mary.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction

80 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2013

Reviews

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book refers to the Divine Feminine Version of the Bible. The original work was written sometime from the 1st century to the 3rd century. It's about Mary Magdalene.

It points out she was at the crucifixtion, at the tomb of Jesus, was the first to discover the empty tomb, was the first to see Jesus and, during his life, had financially supported his ministry. (Meaning that either her family was wealthy or she was wealthy, perhaps a widow.)

It's also obvious that Peter didn't like her (probably he was jealous especially since Mary was a woman and women weren't considered to be that much even then. Funny how some things almost never seem to change.)

The book talks about missing pages in the original work,and some damaged pages. There is an appendix and a bibliography. It's all quite good and quite interesting.

[Justin Tiemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel of Mary is a product not only of Mark M. Mattison, a dedicated and nuanced biblical scholar, but of the Grand Rapids Writers Exchange, an outstanding organization that Mattison championed up until the COVID-19 pandemic. The book provides four separate translations of Mary's gospel, two in paragraph form and another two in verse form, along with a handful of brief essays on topics prompted by the text. Mattison's approach serves as a middle ground between a more dogmatic approach, both toward translation and the gospel's place in the canon, and an anything goes approach, and he accomplishes this by returning to the source material, seeing what it appears to be saying, and then confirming his own treatment against the long history of other translations and similar documents. It takes more work to do it this way, but the result is that Mattison presents a fresh, thought-provoking, new translation. One of the first things revealed through this methodical process is that many of these texts are far more spiritual and contemplative than previously understood, taking on an aspect similar to Greek (especially Parmenidean), Hindu, or Buddhist thought. The Gospel of Mary is a great early book for Mattison, because it underscores his own push to elevate the voices of women in scripture, voices that are already there but often end up buried by millennia of tradition. Mattison makes reading difficult texts quick, easy, and rewarding, making his books the perfect gateway for readers interested in scripture, translation, and/or hermeneutics.

[Fred Dameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this Gospel, even fragmented, show how bastardized the modern Church has become. Especially here in the South, Texas, specifically. Mary tells us that Christ wanted us to look inward to find God for God is in all of us if we look. The problem is that for 300 years the Church separated fought this idea and finally came up with the current Gospels and Canon. A canon that is designed to support and enforce the patriarchy. A patriarchy that the very existence of Mary Magdalen threatened. No wonder her Gospel was buried by the monks of Naga and protected by the desert dry.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who is she yet we know her

I was a little disappointed that there where so many explanations it made for confusion. Here we heard of bullies of scared men who just didn’t seem to believe enough to carry on with his word for fear of ending the same way as him yet Mary was ready as always I have the greatest respect that her strength won through. I may read this again to help me understand more

[Elaine aschbacher]

Read this Gospel then read it Again

A challenging and inspiring Gospel to study over and over. Do not let the title stop you because, at the heart of it, it is not about Mary but about Jesus. It is the connecting step between the resurrection and the apostles including Mary going out to the world to preach and spread the word.

[Lucretia Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academic review of Mary's Gospel

Good review with comparative translations of the original text. Ends with how to personally practice and develop your spiritual connection with God. I liked how the author describes the contemplative prayer, to focus on the word that "shimmers." I'll certainly practice this as I continue on my healing journey.

[Jovana Purdom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish for more

Mary knew and Jesus loves her. I had no.idea of what took place but am glad I know now so thank you

[Lindsey Baird-Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read. It's nice to see what was left out. Wasn't bad

[katrina french · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

Learned a little. Mostly refreshed my memory of things I had learned but forgotten . Mary was a disciple of jesus

[Michael Gardner-Bey · Rating 3 out of 5]

New prospective

This book opens the door of understanding to free thinking. Read THE lost Books OF the Bible And The Forgotten Books Of Eden

[Richard L Sendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing Mary the Mary

Being very limited of knowledge about this truly loving human, who knew and believed. She had no doubt about her creator and the human man she loved.