Mary Magdalene, Bride in Exile

by Margaret Starbird

The controversy surrounding Mary Magdalene and her relationship to Jesus has gained widespread international interest since the publication of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, which specifically cites Starbird's earlier works as a significant source. In Mary Magdalene, Bride in Exile Starbird examines the many faces of Mary Magdalene, from the historical woman who walked with Jesus in the villages of Judaea to the mythic and symbolic Magdalene who is the archetype of the Sacred Feminine. Starbird reveals new information about the woman who was the most intimate companion of Jesus - a woman who, for years, has been conflated with the gospels' other Marys - and offers historical evidence that Mary was indeed Jesus' forgotten bride.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Research, Feminism, Christianity, Historical

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2005

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book. However, I am at odds at how I feel about what was written about the Virgin Mary, and that has stopped me from giving the book five stars.

On page 144 of the paperback, Starbird relates the Virgin Mary to the evil step mother of fairy tales, which I found distasteful. The worship of the Virgin Mother has deep roots and is not a devotion I believe can be so easily written off. She gave birth to the Son of God and that alone gives her the right to be venerated. The fact that she was honored throughout a history and institution where women were looked upon as objects is remarkable to me.

Yes, I do understand that Starbird wants to have the Magdalene reinstated as the Queen of Heaven, which is a title now held by the Virgin Mother. However, it is my firmest belief that if the Magdalene is to see herself reinstated there has to be a place for Mary too. Because, as a Catholic who wants the Magdalene honored as the wife of Jesus, I do not want the Virgin Mary to become the evil step mother. She is the Mother of God and should not be dishonored.

[Miekje1402 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched, although some conclusions felt really far fetched. Still a very interesting and insightful read!

[Marie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research and theory about the bride of Jesus. Well done. 80% of the eBook is highlighted 😂

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this is a fairly intellectual argument about the true identity of Mary Magdalene. She has always fascinated me as I am someone who was raised in a Roman Catholic home and was usually left in the dark about these matters despite my questioning! I would recommend this for people who really need to be convinced of Magdalene's true identity and that this woman was not only powerful, but also much more than the whore she has been made out to be throughout history by various "religious authorities." Well-researched, beautiful color prints.

[Lona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before starting a more traditional study of Mary Magdalene, I wanted to read something like this book to broaden my knowledge and point of view.

The book is all exposition, and it can be dense. I kept my phone by me to look up terms and concepts.The flow of the book is clunky, and I can imagine Starbird checking off topic after topic in an outline as she wrote.

I did learn vocabulary and concepts that were new to me, and I do have an appreciation of Starbird's thesis. The experience of reading Mary Magdalene: Bride in Exile will surely make my next study of Mary deeper and more nuanced.

[Natasha Orslene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is an amazing authority on Mary Magdalene. This book is well researched and offers compelling and insightful ideas on Mary Magdalene, her life and her role in spirituality.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The politics were interesting, but the conspiracy theories watered down the level of credibility.

[Joanna Thyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely nails the mystery of Jesus' prophetic vision, understood and taken up by his beloved disciple, Mary the Magdalene. The reconciliation of masculine and feminine, the embodiment of the marriage sacrament, and the esoteric heart wisdom that was a key part of Jesus' mission, is displayed in this engrossing tale that is also a beautiful love story.

[Judith A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, well documented, food for thought.

[Jim Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the #1 scholar in the area. All her books are excellent but this is my favorite.

[Marta Ch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved to read this book. It makes me think about the celibatery in Catholic church and no-celibatery in Orthodox church. If in Orthodox church the priests must marry before to pray the first mass why it would impossible to Jesus be married? Why the imposition by the Catholic church for the priests being singles for life? It really makes us think about the great chance of Jesus be married and had children. Where are the children and their relatives?
That is a good investigation which probably we can be in touch with them without knowing.
It is worth to read the book even totally against this possibility but at least it is good to know both sides of the coin.

[DreamPacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely a 3. It got that for the colored plates of artwork. Those were mildly interesting. Otherwise, I just skimmed over 80% of it, because I really didn't care about all that detail and history trying to "prove" something. Her first book, The Woman With the Alabaster Jar was much better.

[Stacy Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

So interesting to read about all of the history surrounding Mary Magdalene. The author shares loads of information the lends itself to further proof of Mary’s life along side Jesus Christ, her leadership and exile.

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but found it confusing and repetitive at times.

[Jack Beltane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, well researched, thought provoking, intelligent, and controversial: Everything I look for in alternative Biblical history. A fantastic read.