Mary Magdalene Understood

by Jane Schaberg, Melanie Johnson-Debaufre

The book begins with a visit to the long-neglected site of ancient Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Unexcavated and slipping into the sea, Migdal stands as a reminder of the lost history of Mary Magdalene, and of ancient women. From Migdal, the reader moves back in history, looking through Mary's legends to her fame and notoriety. UNDERSTOOD then explores the silence, conflation, and distortion that characterizes Mary's afterlife in text and image. There is Mary the Whore, the Demon-Possessed Madwoman, and the Penitent. All give glimpses into the significant social anxiety generated by women's sexuality, intelligence, and spirituality--power. Mary's medieval and modern legends are contrasted sharply with her depiction in the Gnostic and apocryphal materials of Tomas and Philip. The scrolls of Nag Hammadi are discussed, and Mary's role as visionary and leader are looked at--all giving a portrait of Mary's prominence in the early centuries of Christianity. Mary's story is part of an overall egalitarian and mystical movement that interpreted the absence of Jesus' body as a powerful and prophetic sign of God's vindication of the world's suffering. The conclusion takes us back to the contemporary world. A reconstruction of Mary Magdalene and a Magdlene Christianity might be a source for social transformation. An epilogue, completely new to this book, looks at the phenomenon of THE DA VINCI CODE.

178 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am intrigued and inspired by Mary Magdalene -- by the mystery of who she was, what she meant to Jesus, and what her role with the 12 was. It is a story that has a frustrating number of dead-ends and wrong turns. So many centuries of conflated characterizations and misrepresentations make the knowing begin with the arduous task of unknowing. So much cultural history to sift through. Schaberg's book is a good one; part scholarship, part educated guess, it provides more questions, ideas and considerations that are fascinating and frustrating. There's no way to prove anything! There are so few texts, relics or consistent stories to refer to. However, I enjoy dwelling in possibility, and that's what this book provides the reader with. "The gaps are opportunities for creativity whether or not the missing pages are ever found....If the Savior considered her to be worthy, who are you to disregard her?" (93).

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am unsure of how I feel about this book.