Beloved Disciple: The Misunderstood Legacy of Mary Magdalene, the Woman Closest to Jesus

by Robin Griffith-Jones

Mary Magdalene was the woman healed of her possession by seven devils and was the first to see the risen Jesus on Easter Day. Was she also the reformed prostitute who washed Jesus's feet with her tears? Was she the sister of the raised Lazarus? Did she marry Jesus? And did she become a leader of the early churches, despite the opposition of Simon Peter (who later became the first pope)? For centuries Mary Magdalene has been shrouded in mystery, but in Beloved Disciple renowned scholar Robin Griffith-Jones cuts through the confusion to bring this extraordinary figure back to startling, fascinating life. Griffith-Jones examines New Testament accounts, ancient Gnostic sources, such as the Gospel of Mary , as well as medieval and Renaissance accounts of Mary's life and travels in the years following her discovery of Jesus's empty tomb on Easter morning. Beloved Disciple addresses questions about Mary and Jesus that have long stirred passionate debate, exploring the roles and power of men and women in the early churches—issues that still haunt the Church. Illustrated with some of the most beautiful images of this enigmatic figure ever produced, this book puts the tantalizing fragments of information we have of Mary back into their original the vital stories in which Mary plays a part. Beloved Disciple shows us Mary as a model of discipleship and, through the lens of her life, offers a fresh perspective on the New Testament gospels and the Gnostic stories, to reveal them as we have never seen them before.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kevin]

I usually try and stick to two books at a time -- three seems a little much to manage, but when I passed by this in the library last night, it was impossible not to grab. This is not "only" the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, but a history of the Christian misogyny from Constantine to the present day. The Christian (largely Catholic) church's relationship with the character of Mary Magdalene has largely dictated its relationship with women overall.

I'm just one day into reading this book, but the quote from the Gnostic book of Mary detailing the post-crucifixion interplay between Mary and Simon Peter on page one, chapter one had me hooked.

[I got this from the Denton Public Library:]

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author uses the four gospels and some of the Gnostic texts as well as early commentary to posit the idea that Mary Magdalene can be considered allegorically as wisdom. It was religious politics that got Mary Magdalene declared a prostitute, nothing in the gospels. Some of the commentators have conflated her, Mary - Jesus mother, and Jesus' sister Mary into one woman, others have kept them separate. Most of the church hierarchy argue(d) that the woman was a symbol for wisdom and that Jesus had no interest in women as women. Personally, I'm with Henry Lincoln, one of the authors of 'The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail' who asked: "Is it more plausible that a man should be married and have children, or that he should be born of a virgin, attended by choirs of angels, walks on water and rise from the grave?" Assuming Jesus existed as human I go with the more plausible explanation. Many stories in the bible is allegorical and should not be taken literally. That being said, many of the moral precepts expounded upon in the bible are those found in most religions and civilized societies.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally well researched and documented offering enhancing our better understanding of this remarkable woman. My mistake was not knowing to read it more like a textbook, than a biography. Though this is not a book to savor in a week or two of leisure time, it is well worth the investment of quality time over a period of a month or two.... with a highlighter!

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book the author not present nothing that hasn’t been written or said about Mary Magdalene , but he trying to vindicate the legacy of the few that have been written of her of those years of the life of the messiah.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but it became too academic for the emotional appeal of its leading character, Mary M. The high point was that the author made some excellent points about Mary M's crucial role in how John told the story of the Resurrection. It also shot down some historical misconceptions, e.g. she wasn't a "fallen woman."

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes a very fascinating topic and does an ok job with it. Unfortunately-it is very dry and I ended up skimming the last few chapters looking for interesting sections. I agree that it would be useful as a reference book in to the "Gospel of Mary" or the Gnostics gospels as a whole.

[Desiree]

I am just starting this one...i have a habit of reading two or three books at a time...

[Libby King · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been a good book but not written in a reader friendly style. Seemed more like a Thesis or Dissertation - For experts only.