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Mary Magdalene: Women, the Church, and the Great Deception
From one of Italy’s most renowned historians of religion, an exciting new portrait of one of Christianity’s most complex - and most misunderstood - Mary Magdalene.
Jesus’ favorite and most devoted disciple? A prostitute shunned from her community? A symbol of female leadership and independence? Who really was Mary Magdalene, and how does her story fit within the history of Christianity, and that of female emancipation?
In this meticulously researched, highly engaging book, Adriana Valerio looks at history, art, and literature to show how centuries of misinterpretation and willful distortion - aimed at establishing and preserving gender hierarchies - have stripped this historical figure of her complexity and relevance.
By revealing both the benign and the pernicious misrepresentations of Mary Magdalene, this thought-provoking essay reaffirms the central role played by women in the origins of Christianity and their essential contribution to one of the founding experiences of Western thought and society.
Jesus’ favorite and most devoted disciple? A prostitute shunned from her community? A symbol of female leadership and independence? Who really was Mary Magdalene, and how does her story fit within the history of Christianity, and that of female emancipation?
In this meticulously researched, highly engaging book, Adriana Valerio looks at history, art, and literature to show how centuries of misinterpretation and willful distortion - aimed at establishing and preserving gender hierarchies - have stripped this historical figure of her complexity and relevance.
By revealing both the benign and the pernicious misrepresentations of Mary Magdalene, this thought-provoking essay reaffirms the central role played by women in the origins of Christianity and their essential contribution to one of the founding experiences of Western thought and society.
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Published November 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 28, 2021
Another very short book (130 pages) that took me a very long time to finish. Pages 132-141 offers further reading & Notes.
Citing various literature and art the author (Italian historian and theologian) seeks to present the various ways in which Mary Magdalene has been portrayed through the ages.
Represented as sinner or apostle in various writings and artist’s works the author points out that much of what is thought about Magdalene is coloured by what a woman’s role was at the time of Jesus and going forward, as well as who happened to be doing the writing or art work at the time.
I found a distinct feminist undertone to this book as the author has made it very much about how women have been perceived through the ages. The role of women in the church is at the heart of this book.
“In the 150 years since the birth of biblical feminism, Mary Magdalene has been considered an emblematic figure.” (Pg.121)
This is a well researched book and offers the reader much to contemplate.
Citing various literature and art the author (Italian historian and theologian) seeks to present the various ways in which Mary Magdalene has been portrayed through the ages.
Represented as sinner or apostle in various writings and artist’s works the author points out that much of what is thought about Magdalene is coloured by what a woman’s role was at the time of Jesus and going forward, as well as who happened to be doing the writing or art work at the time.
I found a distinct feminist undertone to this book as the author has made it very much about how women have been perceived through the ages. The role of women in the church is at the heart of this book.
“In the 150 years since the birth of biblical feminism, Mary Magdalene has been considered an emblematic figure.” (Pg.121)
This is a well researched book and offers the reader much to contemplate.
September 9, 2024
Far less biased than most analysis of the enigmatic Magdalene. Cites scripture, gnostic texts, and even art-historical renditions. I was pleasantly surprised to see the author using the art of Magdalene as reflections of the ever-shifting perspectives she’s held, through sensuality, sin, devotion, and penance. Like most texts regarding Magdalene, to be taken with a grain of salt, but the author does a good job at keeping scholarly objectivity most of the time.
November 17, 2021
As a woman who grew up Catholic and keenly felt the inequality within the Church, this book hits very close to home. Especially because I was always conscious of how Jesus seemed to respect women, while the apostles were not very cool with them. Mary Magdalene as a figure is fascinating, and exploring how she is presented both in the canonical texts, as well as in the Christian oral tradition (and the Gnostic and Apocriphal texts) shows a lot of very interesting issues with how women are viewed inside the Church.
The way Adriana Valerio reminds us of how central Mary Magdalene is to Christian theology (she is the "Apostle of the Apostles", after all) also posits the possibility of a Church that actually allows women to be a part of it and to fully participate in every aspect of the Church. After all, most of our traditions are the result of decisions taken centuries ago, so we can change them.
And who knows, I might want to go back to a Church that doesn't make me feel like I'm a second-class citizen.
The way Adriana Valerio reminds us of how central Mary Magdalene is to Christian theology (she is the "Apostle of the Apostles", after all) also posits the possibility of a Church that actually allows women to be a part of it and to fully participate in every aspect of the Church. After all, most of our traditions are the result of decisions taken centuries ago, so we can change them.
And who knows, I might want to go back to a Church that doesn't make me feel like I'm a second-class citizen.
August 30, 2022
The treatment of the Magdalene in historical, religious and artistic spheres is a topic which I have great personal interest in, and Valerio managed - in a strikingly short text - to offer a compelling and well-founded summary of the various ways her legacies and attributes have been preserved, transformed, or actively twisted for misogynistic means throughout history. She explores the primary literature (including the apocryphal and Gnostic gospels) in great detail to sus out exactly what details about the Magdalene were initially present, and which were added by later actors. For instance, there is no reference to her being ‘sinful’ in any way in any gospel - this was merely extrapolated from a reference to ‘demons’ that had been expelled from her, (which in contemporary use was more likely to mean an issue of mental health or stability than a vice in the later Medieval style).
The only issue I have with the book is that often Valerio would introduce a new piece of evidence i.e. a book, treatise, painting etc., but then leave it there without linking it substantially to other pieces or using to further a longer argument. This was especially prevalent in chapters 4 and 5 which at times felt like a list of every possible reference to the Magdalene that the author could find within a given time frame, rather than a consistent thematic exploration.
The final chapter was exceptional, however, expanding the scope of the study to the relevance of how the Magdalene’s altering to fit existing archetypes affects the modern day position of women in Christian societies, most notably how the efforts of Churches (particularly Catholic) to revoke the Magdalene of her status as an apostle has served the political means of excluding women from positions of Church leadership.
A great and concise book, I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the figure of Mary Magdalene or women within Christianity in general.
The only issue I have with the book is that often Valerio would introduce a new piece of evidence i.e. a book, treatise, painting etc., but then leave it there without linking it substantially to other pieces or using to further a longer argument. This was especially prevalent in chapters 4 and 5 which at times felt like a list of every possible reference to the Magdalene that the author could find within a given time frame, rather than a consistent thematic exploration.
The final chapter was exceptional, however, expanding the scope of the study to the relevance of how the Magdalene’s altering to fit existing archetypes affects the modern day position of women in Christian societies, most notably how the efforts of Churches (particularly Catholic) to revoke the Magdalene of her status as an apostle has served the political means of excluding women from positions of Church leadership.
A great and concise book, I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the figure of Mary Magdalene or women within Christianity in general.
June 1, 2024
a really interesting history; it read like a long essay but not in a way i particularly enjoyed. i felt it lacked a lot of historical context that would have made it a more engaging read but it was very hyper-focused on representations of mary magdalene throughout ~2000 year history. would recommend if you’re interested in that specific history and how it connects to the church’s historical treatment of women as a gender especially because it’s so short.
October 1, 2024
Definately an interesting topic, but the writing itself is a bit dry and the overly used brackets for extra information are tiring. I do approve of the message so I would still recommend to read this book if you are interested in the role of woman within Christianity. Especially from a more equal, feminist, point of view instead of the old and dusty misogynistic one that most of us are familiar with.
January 6, 2026
This is a fascinating and important book. At the risk of sounding anti-academia, however, I did feel like I was reading someone's PhD thesis (which probably would have got top marks!) than a book. The sentence style was incredibly difficult and I was opening the dictionary at least once a page. I can't say I enjoyed any part of it, but I am glad I read it?? Somehow??
April 13, 2024
The author slayed to the max by being one of the first women in Italy to get a theology degree. I never realized until this book how many misconceptions were popularized about Mary Magdalene.
December 9, 2022
This is no Dan Brown conspiracy theory - it is a compact but thoroughly researched history of how Catholics have viewed Mary Magdalene over the past 2000 years. Was she really a prostitute? If Magdala isn't a real place what does her name mean?
Valerio explains how Mary's image and persona have evolved with the opinions of different generations. From Gnostic writings to Church Father theologians to poets and artists, everyone has a different perspective. This book presents a powerful argument that patriarchal cultural norms have obscured the spiritual wisdom and authority women originally held in the Gospels. I am grateful to have both the courageous Magdalene and her brilliant biographer as my sisters in the Church.
Valerio explains how Mary's image and persona have evolved with the opinions of different generations. From Gnostic writings to Church Father theologians to poets and artists, everyone has a different perspective. This book presents a powerful argument that patriarchal cultural norms have obscured the spiritual wisdom and authority women originally held in the Gospels. I am grateful to have both the courageous Magdalene and her brilliant biographer as my sisters in the Church.
December 10, 2024
Extremely thought provoking. Credible exegesis and research. Examinations of paintings and icons was highly informative. I would recommend this to others who are seriously studying Mary Magdalene.
July 20, 2021
Bellissimo.
L'ho letto per un esame universitario ed è sicuramente quello che mi è piaciuto di più tra tutti quelli che ho dovuto leggere finora.
Ammetto di essere caduta anch'io nel tranello "Maria Maddalena = prostituta" quindi quando ho letto questo libro (ed ho anche assistito ad una lezione da parte dell'autrice) finalmente ho aperto gli occhi: la maddalena era una figura di grande autorità e conoscenza all'interno del gruppo di discepoli di Gesù, e non è mai stata né una prostituta né una peccatrice redenta. Quest'interpretazione si consolida nell'alto medioevo grazie a papa Gregorio magno... e purtroppo continua ancora oggi tra il grande pubblico.
In realtà, la maddalena è colei che per prima ha visto il risorto e da lui stesso ha avuto il mandato di annunciare la sua resurrezioni agli altri discepoli. è quindi "l'apostola degli apostoli" e - teoricamente - la genealogia apostolica dovrebbe iniziare da lei, ma è stata messa da parte immediatamente a favore di Pietro (che, ricordiamo, ha rinnegato Gesù e si è anche andato a nascondersi). la maddalena e le altre donne che facevano parte del gruppo di discepoli di Gesù (sì, c'erano diverse donne) sono rimaste con lui fino alla fine, durante la crocifissione, e si sono anche prese cura del suo corpo.
Ho trovato quasi ironico che immediatamente dopo la scomparsa Gesù, il suo messaggio sia stato convenientemente dimenticato anche da coloro che lo avevano ascoltato direttamente da lui: inclusività totale, con l'assenza di differenze tra uomini e donne.
Le donne avrebbero dovuto far parte della chiesa in posizioni di prestigio ma è stato subito loro intimato di "tacere nelle assemblee" (pseudo Paolo). Senza contare che proprio lo stesso Paolo non menziona nemmeno la Maddalena tra coloro ai quali Cristo è apparso- e questo sancisce la sua esclusione dalla successione apostolica.
L'unica nota negativa di questo libro è la sua lunghezza (136 pagine) perché avrei voluto continuare a leggere sulla Maddalena. A questo proposito però mi sono subito segnata i titoli di alcune opere citate:
- Marinella Perroni, Maria di Magdala. Una genealogia apostolica
- Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, In memoria di lei
Ho anche già letto il saggio di Ramon K. Jusino sulla possibilità che la Maddalena sia la figura dietro il discepolo amato del Vangelo di Giovanni e, a differenza della prof del mio corso, l'ho trovato piuttosto convincente.
Della stessa autrice mi piacerebbe anche leggere "Donne e Chiesa: Una storia di genere" e "Il potere delle donne nella Chiesa: Giuditta, Chiara e le altre"
L'ho letto per un esame universitario ed è sicuramente quello che mi è piaciuto di più tra tutti quelli che ho dovuto leggere finora.
Ammetto di essere caduta anch'io nel tranello "Maria Maddalena = prostituta" quindi quando ho letto questo libro (ed ho anche assistito ad una lezione da parte dell'autrice) finalmente ho aperto gli occhi: la maddalena era una figura di grande autorità e conoscenza all'interno del gruppo di discepoli di Gesù, e non è mai stata né una prostituta né una peccatrice redenta. Quest'interpretazione si consolida nell'alto medioevo grazie a papa Gregorio magno... e purtroppo continua ancora oggi tra il grande pubblico.
In realtà, la maddalena è colei che per prima ha visto il risorto e da lui stesso ha avuto il mandato di annunciare la sua resurrezioni agli altri discepoli. è quindi "l'apostola degli apostoli" e - teoricamente - la genealogia apostolica dovrebbe iniziare da lei, ma è stata messa da parte immediatamente a favore di Pietro (che, ricordiamo, ha rinnegato Gesù e si è anche andato a nascondersi). la maddalena e le altre donne che facevano parte del gruppo di discepoli di Gesù (sì, c'erano diverse donne) sono rimaste con lui fino alla fine, durante la crocifissione, e si sono anche prese cura del suo corpo.
Ho trovato quasi ironico che immediatamente dopo la scomparsa Gesù, il suo messaggio sia stato convenientemente dimenticato anche da coloro che lo avevano ascoltato direttamente da lui: inclusività totale, con l'assenza di differenze tra uomini e donne.
Le donne avrebbero dovuto far parte della chiesa in posizioni di prestigio ma è stato subito loro intimato di "tacere nelle assemblee" (pseudo Paolo). Senza contare che proprio lo stesso Paolo non menziona nemmeno la Maddalena tra coloro ai quali Cristo è apparso- e questo sancisce la sua esclusione dalla successione apostolica.
L'unica nota negativa di questo libro è la sua lunghezza (136 pagine) perché avrei voluto continuare a leggere sulla Maddalena. A questo proposito però mi sono subito segnata i titoli di alcune opere citate:
- Marinella Perroni, Maria di Magdala. Una genealogia apostolica
- Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, In memoria di lei
Ho anche già letto il saggio di Ramon K. Jusino sulla possibilità che la Maddalena sia la figura dietro il discepolo amato del Vangelo di Giovanni e, a differenza della prof del mio corso, l'ho trovato piuttosto convincente.
Della stessa autrice mi piacerebbe anche leggere "Donne e Chiesa: Una storia di genere" e "Il potere delle donne nella Chiesa: Giuditta, Chiara e le altre"
April 24, 2022
Biblical feminism 👍🏼
Very well researched, Valerio presents the manipulation (from male religious figures) of Mary Magdalene’s role in the Church in order to satisfy the patriarchal traditions of the past centuries. I personally learned about her as the converted prostitute but this book refuted that with her role as a disciple and apostle who was actually given authoritative tasks by Jesus. This research also calls out the contradictory nature and that, “In imitation of the practice of the Teacher, the community should not have repeated the male hierarchical structure that existed in the unequal society of the time.” It also touches on the topic of sexual taboo and the mystification of women and connecting them with being “impure” and to be avoided. But i think the main purpose was to talk about Mary Magdalene’s role in the formation of Christianity and as part of the Origins that men have tried to erase or to manipulate her role in the Bible to legitimize (while rejecting the idea of liberation of Jesus and the fact that he wasn’t patriarchal) male supremacy.
Very well researched, Valerio presents the manipulation (from male religious figures) of Mary Magdalene’s role in the Church in order to satisfy the patriarchal traditions of the past centuries. I personally learned about her as the converted prostitute but this book refuted that with her role as a disciple and apostle who was actually given authoritative tasks by Jesus. This research also calls out the contradictory nature and that, “In imitation of the practice of the Teacher, the community should not have repeated the male hierarchical structure that existed in the unequal society of the time.” It also touches on the topic of sexual taboo and the mystification of women and connecting them with being “impure” and to be avoided. But i think the main purpose was to talk about Mary Magdalene’s role in the formation of Christianity and as part of the Origins that men have tried to erase or to manipulate her role in the Bible to legitimize (while rejecting the idea of liberation of Jesus and the fact that he wasn’t patriarchal) male supremacy.
July 23, 2025
Sadly this was not what I expected. I thought it would be based on church history and Biblical research, which was sort of there, but definitely not the main focus. It also states that it wants to spark a revolution and change how the Christian world views Mary Magdalene, but most of the book is just a summary of how she has been represented in art and literature, rather than making an actual argument about anything. It's giving research paper, not persuasive essay.
Also, I know the point of the book is specifically to focus on Mary Magdalene, but if you write a manifesto for re-evaluating her legacy, and you include A LOT of references to the apocrypha, you kind of also have to include why you think the apocrypha should actually be canon. Yes, this has the potential to derail the point of your book, but you'll have to do your work to keep it on track -- that's literally part of the challenge. But this is just one specific example of how it focuses more on describing Mary's portrayal than making an argument for viewing her differently.
I guess it did make me want to learn more about her, which I don't think the author would object to, but it's far from accomplishing the complete, over-arching end goal the author is aiming for.
Also, I know the point of the book is specifically to focus on Mary Magdalene, but if you write a manifesto for re-evaluating her legacy, and you include A LOT of references to the apocrypha, you kind of also have to include why you think the apocrypha should actually be canon. Yes, this has the potential to derail the point of your book, but you'll have to do your work to keep it on track -- that's literally part of the challenge. But this is just one specific example of how it focuses more on describing Mary's portrayal than making an argument for viewing her differently.
I guess it did make me want to learn more about her, which I don't think the author would object to, but it's far from accomplishing the complete, over-arching end goal the author is aiming for.
May 6, 2024
For a scholarly work, this is surprisingly accessible. The book was recommended as a source for answers to questions raised by a YouTube video by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Sadly, the book only touched on one of the subjects that interests me and didn't give a definitive answer to my question. That, however is not the reason for my three-star rating.
I gave the book three stars because, as I read, it be at clear that the author and possibly the translator had a strong feminist agenda, which I don't think is appropriate. In addition, near the beginning of the book, the author/translator talks about "worshipping" Mary Magdalene and other saints. This led me to question the quality of the scholarship itself. Any serious scholar of Christianity should understand the distinction between worshipping God and honoring the saints. Finally, at the end of the book's final chapter, the author/translator seems to question the divinity of Jesus. If He isn't God, what's the point?
I gave the book three stars because, as I read, it be at clear that the author and possibly the translator had a strong feminist agenda, which I don't think is appropriate. In addition, near the beginning of the book, the author/translator talks about "worshipping" Mary Magdalene and other saints. This led me to question the quality of the scholarship itself. Any serious scholar of Christianity should understand the distinction between worshipping God and honoring the saints. Finally, at the end of the book's final chapter, the author/translator seems to question the divinity of Jesus. If He isn't God, what's the point?
August 4, 2024
I would rate this 3.5 out of 5.
I listened to a copy of this audiobook on Everand.
I found it interesting how Valerio explores the history and depictions of Mary Magdalene throughout history. Those interpretations play a significant role in how Mary Magdalene is viewed as both a woman and a religious figure today.
That being said I don't know that this was the best book to start with on the subject as it is very academic. It, however, did not read like an academic article, but rather a critical analysis of an important biblical figure. Valerio's writing style made the analysis easy to follow even though it was a bit dense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Misogyny, Murder, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Death, Classism, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
I listened to a copy of this audiobook on Everand.
I found it interesting how Valerio explores the history and depictions of Mary Magdalene throughout history. Those interpretations play a significant role in how Mary Magdalene is viewed as both a woman and a religious figure today.
That being said I don't know that this was the best book to start with on the subject as it is very academic. It, however, did not read like an academic article, but rather a critical analysis of an important biblical figure. Valerio's writing style made the analysis easy to follow even though it was a bit dense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Misogyny, Murder, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Death, Classism, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
January 28, 2022
Maybe it's because I've just read two books on Mary Magdalene, but there isn’t much new ground covered here. Still, it’s a solid exploration of the role of women in the church, Mary’s importance and how she was sidelined over the centuries due to not fitting the church’s doctrine. This book has a huge bibliography with some Italian sources I haven’t seen mentioned in other works.
The only major downsides are the lack of context, which will make this a difficult read for those not familiar with the topic, and the author’s clear bias (trying to reclaim Mary as a feminist figure).
The only major downsides are the lack of context, which will make this a difficult read for those not familiar with the topic, and the author’s clear bias (trying to reclaim Mary as a feminist figure).
January 26, 2023
This book covers the biblical, historical, additional texts, and art history representation of Mary Magdalene and who she was. The book addresses the various roles Mary Magdalene played, as well as some of the unbiblical theories of her marriage to Jesus. This is a well written and well supported book that presents the historically accurate record of her story and role in Church history, as well as the ways in which it has been distorted and misrepresented through the evolution, reformation and continuation of the Church.
May 24, 2023
How the Magdalene is represented through the centuries.
“On June 3 2016, by his [Pope Francis] express wish, the celebration of Saint Mary Magdalene (held on 22 July) was elevated and inscribed in the General Roman Calendar with the rank of Feast… on the same level as those dedicated to the other apostles. Seeing she is the Apostle of the Apostles… she was the first to see the risen Christ and the first to announce it to the apostles… giving emphasis to her role as an evangelizer and ‘the special mission’”.
“On June 3 2016, by his [Pope Francis] express wish, the celebration of Saint Mary Magdalene (held on 22 July) was elevated and inscribed in the General Roman Calendar with the rank of Feast… on the same level as those dedicated to the other apostles. Seeing she is the Apostle of the Apostles… she was the first to see the risen Christ and the first to announce it to the apostles… giving emphasis to her role as an evangelizer and ‘the special mission’”.
November 25, 2024
This book is not a traditional biography grounded in verifiable historical facts. Instead, it draws heavily from legends, apocryphal writings, and artistic interpretations, such as frescoes and other visual representations. Rather than offering a linear or factual account of its subject’s life, it weaves together mythological elements and spiritual narratives that have emerged over centuries. The result is a more imaginative exploration, one that seeks to capture the essence of the figure through the lens of cultural memory and artistic expression, rather than through documented events.
December 11, 2022
Argomento molto interessante quello della controversa figura di Maria Maddalena. Affrontato in maniera coinvolgente nelle prima pagine, dove viene via via smontata l'iconicità di Maddalena in quanto prostituta e peccatrice redenta, e viene data un'interpretazione delle scritture meno maschilista rispetto a quella del cristianesimo degli inizi. Peccato che oltre ad essere molto breve, il libro si perda completamente nell'ultima parte, diventando confuso e pure noiosetto nonostante la brevità.
January 3, 2023
Adriana Valerio is a historian and a theologian. It is very clear that she has an incredible knowledge about Mary Magdalene, but this book reads like a scholarly essay. It's a great resource of vast information and facts given without much interpretation, more of a dry historical source than a spiritual book I expected. If you're looking at scholarly analysis of Magdalene through the ages, in scripture, history & art, this book is for you.
July 15, 2023
This small book is a good introduction to the popular scholarship on Mary Magdalene. Written by an Italian scholar, Adriana Valeria, the author seeks to clarify Mary Magdalene's role as disciple and apostle rather than as a repent prostitute or wife of Jesus. She focuses on the Magdalene's role throughout church history up to the present day. Current cultural references are especially interesting. Missing is an interpretation of canonical and Gnostic scriptures.
August 11, 2023
Definitely an interesting read! I believe the author is Catholic, so from a different theological background than I. A lot of her supporting documents were were not necessarily canon and written significantly long after Mary Magdalene’s life. Though I take them with a (quite coarse) grain of salt, it is important not to automatically dismiss potentially historically accurate texts. Definitely got me thinking.
She ended the book by quoting Mark 10:43-44, which was quite impactful.
She ended the book by quoting Mark 10:43-44, which was quite impactful.
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November 18, 2023Valerio hace un análisis de la figura de María Magdalena, ¿qué dicen los evangelios de ella y otras fuentes de los primeros años del cristianismo? ¿Por qué se ha negado su papel como apóstol y figura cercana a cristo? ¿Cómo ha sido vista a lo largo del tiempo hasta nuestros días? Una interesante aproximación a una figura cristiana y, a través de ella, pensar el papel de las mujeres dentro del cristianismo.
March 15, 2024
A pretty religious book, that takes feminism, women's issues and view in religion and society seriously, and takes facts and history instead of ignoring it. I'm not religious but as I come from Christian background, these analyses are important for me to give words for things that I should have modeled but personally didn't vibe with.
Starngely, a religious themed book with feminist view that gets 4 stars.
Starngely, a religious themed book with feminist view that gets 4 stars.
May 24, 2024
I could not finish this book.
The author takes verses of the bible out of context every time they are quoted.
Then asserts heretical interpretations of these verses.
The author heavily relies upon Gnostic Gospels which come hundreds of years after Christ to prove their point, making claims of Gnosis while discussing biblical texts is heretical.
Relying on Gnostic gospels is almost laughable when discussing Christ and Mary Magdalene as the Gnostics DENY Christ’s divinity.
The author takes verses of the bible out of context every time they are quoted.
Then asserts heretical interpretations of these verses.
The author heavily relies upon Gnostic Gospels which come hundreds of years after Christ to prove their point, making claims of Gnosis while discussing biblical texts is heretical.
Relying on Gnostic gospels is almost laughable when discussing Christ and Mary Magdalene as the Gnostics DENY Christ’s divinity.
June 26, 2025
I initially started this book just out of curiosity, but as I listened to it, there was information I had never paid attention to when I was a child. I never paid attention to the absolute sexism and misogyny within each religion, especially Christianity, but now I feel I have more research to do.
December 26, 2021
An interesting feminist take on Mary Magdalen and women in Christianity. I am not very religious so my interest is low but I am glad there are good people trying to excise patriarchy from Christianity. All I can say is good luck you got your work cut out for you.
December 27, 2021
Read in an evening.
Interesting and with a lot to say about the topic. Started a lot of discussion (I bought a copy each for the people I spent xmas with). We all enjoyed it and led to googling and further reading lists being drawn up.
Interesting and with a lot to say about the topic. Started a lot of discussion (I bought a copy each for the people I spent xmas with). We all enjoyed it and led to googling and further reading lists being drawn up.
Read
March 24, 2025No reviews on books created to teach.
This one felt very all over the place, and there didn’t seem to be much explanation that made clear sense. I have some other books on this topic I’ll be trying out as well.
This one felt very all over the place, and there didn’t seem to be much explanation that made clear sense. I have some other books on this topic I’ll be trying out as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews