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Mary Magdalene: Christianity's Hidden Goddess
Are the roots of Christianity partly based on spin and propaganda? Acting as a historical detective, the author strips away the layers of deception and propaganda that surround the Christian story in a quest to find the real Mary Magdalene.
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First published September 5, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 18, 2011
I bought this book some years ago, because the subject matter fascinates me. If you look at other books I've read, you'll see I've read quite the collection of non-traditional books on Mary Magdalene.
But the author's obvious biases, combined with crappy writing, and a blatant perpetuation of a misinterpretation of a particular Catholic doctrine, led me to being completely unable to finish this horrible book. Here's what I wrote back in 2005:
"The Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus. It has nothing to do with sex, period. It refers to Mary’s conception without Original Sin in her soul, as proof that God always intended her to be Jesus’ mother. ...
However, I don’t expect to read in a book how a phallic-looking rock coming out of the head of the Virgin Mary is supposed to be secretly mocking the group that commissioned the piece, who named themselves after the Immaculate Conception, because the artist didn’t particularly care for the standard Church take on the Holy Family. In the first chapter. You’ve just guaranteed that I’m going to be skeptical about everything else you’re about to present, no matter how sympathetic I might be to the idea in the first place from other sources. Especially when you tell me you presented this idea to a conference, and instead of them laughing you out of the room, you all sat and laughed at the dirty joke together."
Thus did the author guarantee I will never, ever read another of her books.
But the author's obvious biases, combined with crappy writing, and a blatant perpetuation of a misinterpretation of a particular Catholic doctrine, led me to being completely unable to finish this horrible book. Here's what I wrote back in 2005:
"The Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus. It has nothing to do with sex, period. It refers to Mary’s conception without Original Sin in her soul, as proof that God always intended her to be Jesus’ mother. ...
However, I don’t expect to read in a book how a phallic-looking rock coming out of the head of the Virgin Mary is supposed to be secretly mocking the group that commissioned the piece, who named themselves after the Immaculate Conception, because the artist didn’t particularly care for the standard Church take on the Holy Family. In the first chapter. You’ve just guaranteed that I’m going to be skeptical about everything else you’re about to present, no matter how sympathetic I might be to the idea in the first place from other sources. Especially when you tell me you presented this idea to a conference, and instead of them laughing you out of the room, you all sat and laughed at the dirty joke together."
Thus did the author guarantee I will never, ever read another of her books.
March 21, 2019
The best sections in this book are the Introduction, Prologue and Afterword. In the Introduction, Picknett shares the story of her own spiritual journey through Catholicism and Mormonism, which I found to be fascinating (having come from the Mormon tradition myself). Her recounting of the Magdalene Laundries in the Prologue was page turning worthy and was a vivid set up for the proceeding chapters exploring the identity of the real Mary Magdalene, and how her identity was perverted by the church and used for such perverse perversions as the Magdelene Laundries. (Yes, I just used 3 iterations of the word pervert in the same sentence on purpose. I love using repetition to prove a point.)
The middle of the book was a bit of a slog, by turns, and a bit of a rant, which was disappointing.
Chapters 1 through 8 are presented as quite scholarly with very high brow language (the slog). Picknett presents historical facts in such a way as to put together a history of Magdalene that refutes the church's malignment of her. It is up to the reader to buy in to the (un)covered history, or not.
So it was quite unexpected and disappointing when, in chapters 9, 10 and 11, the author's writing devolves into a rant against the Jesus story, offering up far reaching speculations held up by the thinnest of historical threads. It was nearly impossible to take her theories with any grain of seriousness. Even if some of the facts she presents are valid layers to the Jesus/John the Baptist story (one example being that they were cult rivals rather than peaceable cousins working for the same deity to bring forth the salvation of mankind), she tells them with an ax grinding fervor that her credibility is lost for me. She also seems to interchange parts of the New Testament story as either history or metaphor, at will, depending upon which supports her own theories of belief or unbelief. Another credibility issue for me.
However, her Afterword picks up her personal faith journey where the Introduction leaves off. And each page in my book is filled with yellow highlights, checks, stars and margin notes in my copy. It was deeply resonant for me.
So, my feelings about this book are very mixed. I appreciate her research and her personal journey. But I feel the middle portions of her book would have supported her suppositions much better if the "sloggy" parts were cleaned up a bit and the "rant-y" parts were presented as lost artifacts for the reader to add to her understanding of the New Testament story so as to refashion her faith, or not, rather than a rant that is liberally peppered with such phrases as "no doubt" (setting herself up as the harbinger of the real truth). Picknett even recognizes her own "flippancy" on page 186. Flippancy does not belong anywhere in a book of historical research and hypothetical offers. Picknett accuses ancient history writer, Celsus, as a writer whose "bile is only too clear" (against Jesus) on page 190. I would suggest that judging by her ardent rants in chapters 9, 10 and 11, Picknett can place herself in the same category.
With all this said, I do not regret reading this book, and I appreciate the ideas presented in it, whether rant or slog, and I am placing them in the research log of my own faith journey. I am interested in Picknett's personal journey. And I will most likely read something else that she wrote, though I have not yet decided which title.
The middle of the book was a bit of a slog, by turns, and a bit of a rant, which was disappointing.
Chapters 1 through 8 are presented as quite scholarly with very high brow language (the slog). Picknett presents historical facts in such a way as to put together a history of Magdalene that refutes the church's malignment of her. It is up to the reader to buy in to the (un)covered history, or not.
So it was quite unexpected and disappointing when, in chapters 9, 10 and 11, the author's writing devolves into a rant against the Jesus story, offering up far reaching speculations held up by the thinnest of historical threads. It was nearly impossible to take her theories with any grain of seriousness. Even if some of the facts she presents are valid layers to the Jesus/John the Baptist story (one example being that they were cult rivals rather than peaceable cousins working for the same deity to bring forth the salvation of mankind), she tells them with an ax grinding fervor that her credibility is lost for me. She also seems to interchange parts of the New Testament story as either history or metaphor, at will, depending upon which supports her own theories of belief or unbelief. Another credibility issue for me.
However, her Afterword picks up her personal faith journey where the Introduction leaves off. And each page in my book is filled with yellow highlights, checks, stars and margin notes in my copy. It was deeply resonant for me.
So, my feelings about this book are very mixed. I appreciate her research and her personal journey. But I feel the middle portions of her book would have supported her suppositions much better if the "sloggy" parts were cleaned up a bit and the "rant-y" parts were presented as lost artifacts for the reader to add to her understanding of the New Testament story so as to refashion her faith, or not, rather than a rant that is liberally peppered with such phrases as "no doubt" (setting herself up as the harbinger of the real truth). Picknett even recognizes her own "flippancy" on page 186. Flippancy does not belong anywhere in a book of historical research and hypothetical offers. Picknett accuses ancient history writer, Celsus, as a writer whose "bile is only too clear" (against Jesus) on page 190. I would suggest that judging by her ardent rants in chapters 9, 10 and 11, Picknett can place herself in the same category.
With all this said, I do not regret reading this book, and I appreciate the ideas presented in it, whether rant or slog, and I am placing them in the research log of my own faith journey. I am interested in Picknett's personal journey. And I will most likely read something else that she wrote, though I have not yet decided which title.
April 26, 2025
ts pmo
most of the theories presented in this book are not based on substantial evidence. they are assumptions, which are presented as established truths. this is made worse because the next theory you read on the book is another assumption, already based off the previous assumption.
most, if not all points are made simply because they are provocative and shocking, not because they are likely.
thoroughly unprofessional and misleading. the best part of the book was the afterword, because it stepped away from the history channel nonsensical conspiracy theory tone to one of personal growth, acceptance, and accountability for ones own beliefs. it almost made me forgive you, picknett. but not quite
most of the theories presented in this book are not based on substantial evidence. they are assumptions, which are presented as established truths. this is made worse because the next theory you read on the book is another assumption, already based off the previous assumption.
most, if not all points are made simply because they are provocative and shocking, not because they are likely.
thoroughly unprofessional and misleading. the best part of the book was the afterword, because it stepped away from the history channel nonsensical conspiracy theory tone to one of personal growth, acceptance, and accountability for ones own beliefs. it almost made me forgive you, picknett. but not quite
November 25, 2018
It is tough to be overly harsh on this book, it delivers at least the minimum of what can be anticipated. There are genuine moments of ‘oh wow‘, and some really intriguing suggestions of what may have happened 2000 years or so ago.
However, most of the big revelations are moved on from quickly, with evidence being circumstantial, whereas the smallest findings are laboured on with multiple points made.
It is also difficult to follow at times, with circular references, many “as we will see later”s, and tenuous links.
Interesting but underwhelming would be my review.
However, most of the big revelations are moved on from quickly, with evidence being circumstantial, whereas the smallest findings are laboured on with multiple points made.
It is also difficult to follow at times, with circular references, many “as we will see later”s, and tenuous links.
Interesting but underwhelming would be my review.
February 19, 2017
2.5
Intenté leerlo por primera vez cuando tenía como 13 años, me aburrió a morir y lo abandoné diez años. Esta ocasión comencé con muchos ánimos, supongo que por la nostalgia de los días en los que las mañas religiosas me interesaban. La prosa de la autora está bien, aligera lo pesado del contenido del libro, aunque se repite mucho.
Pero en algún momento la organización del libro se puso confusa; de pronto estaba leyendo sobre Isis y mandeos-que ni sabía que existían- y las suposiciones de la autora iban tomando derroteros muy rebuscados. Pero hay que ver el tema, no se puede proponer algo sin que suene ridículo. Lo que sí me gustó fue su renuencia a desestimar los milagros, que me hacía algo de gracia, y la terquedad por hacer sensual a María Magdalena, que me hace gracia totalmente por ser tan contrario a la Iglesia.
En fin, no es una lectura divertida. Tampoco es que alguien vaya a tomar un libro así por diversión. Lo recomiendo si sienten curiosidad por los mitos cristianos más populares, pero hay que tomar en cuenta que Lynn Picknett es seria en su investigación, a pesar de lo risibles que puedan resultarles algunas cosas. Como bien lo dijo ella; Jesús, María y Juan vivieron en una época en la que la magia era real.
Intenté leerlo por primera vez cuando tenía como 13 años, me aburrió a morir y lo abandoné diez años. Esta ocasión comencé con muchos ánimos, supongo que por la nostalgia de los días en los que las mañas religiosas me interesaban. La prosa de la autora está bien, aligera lo pesado del contenido del libro, aunque se repite mucho.
Pero en algún momento la organización del libro se puso confusa; de pronto estaba leyendo sobre Isis y mandeos-que ni sabía que existían- y las suposiciones de la autora iban tomando derroteros muy rebuscados. Pero hay que ver el tema, no se puede proponer algo sin que suene ridículo. Lo que sí me gustó fue su renuencia a desestimar los milagros, que me hacía algo de gracia, y la terquedad por hacer sensual a María Magdalena, que me hace gracia totalmente por ser tan contrario a la Iglesia.
En fin, no es una lectura divertida. Tampoco es que alguien vaya a tomar un libro así por diversión. Lo recomiendo si sienten curiosidad por los mitos cristianos más populares, pero hay que tomar en cuenta que Lynn Picknett es seria en su investigación, a pesar de lo risibles que puedan resultarles algunas cosas. Como bien lo dijo ella; Jesús, María y Juan vivieron en una época en la que la magia era real.
May 26, 2025
Interesting if highly speculative look at the origins and role of Mary Magdalene. The main thing I took from it is that the "holy land" or Palestine or the Levant and the people who live there were a mash of many cultures and beliefs and that it is likely that "the gospels" as we know them were a conflation of many beliefs, legends and stories and that the Catholic Church has worked very hard to establish and maintain the narrative we are all familiar with despite conflicting evidence.
November 6, 2019
Siempre es regocijante aprender nuevas cosas sobre personajes históricas. En particular, la información sobre María Magdalena siempre fue ocultada por las instituciones eclesiásticas que prefieren tener la hegemonía sobre el discurso "oficial".
September 14, 2018
Molto ben documentato, un libro che fa riflettere sul cristianesimo e le sue mille "deformazioni", in millenni di storia attraverso i "secoli bui".
January 27, 2019
Pretty interesting look at Mary Magdalene.
May 10, 2019
Didn't finish. I love all things MM but this veered off into uninteresting and questionable territory.
August 4, 2019
Though-provoking and packed with information, this is an essential read for anyone with an aversion to, and mistrust of, the dominant patriarchal religions of our world.
July 27, 2020
Jumped around - didn't seem to get to the subject matter - stop after 2 chapters
April 21, 2022
An interesting and very popular thesis.
October 11, 2023
I loved this book, but wasn't really a book soley on Mary, i would say less than a third. A large focus on Jesus and John the Baptist too. I really enjoyed it but wanted to read more about Mary
April 28, 2025
Mucho que cuestionar sobre este ensayo. Pocas bases y muchas teorías.
August 16, 2007
the story of Mary Magdalene is always said to be that that of a subordinate woman,
a saved prostitute.
yet another Magdalene story is emerging.. the apostle of the apostles....." the woman who knows all" the Gnostic gospels to Jesus, Mary and Jesus were lovers..... and spiritual partners.. and she may have borune his a child.... she may not have been a Jewish woman
but could have come from Ethiopia a land with its own cult of itinerant priestesses who traveled as far as Egypt... and Israel to preach...
to those that reject this brief summery of the book out right.. here is a short extract from
page...243.. check it yourself...
.those of use who have been passionate believers know the pain of disillusionment, which ia why so many take up another religion, or join a norther sect, such natural acolytes become
serial-believers....in an almost endless cycle of falling in love with one creed or another,
only to divorce it sooner or later on the grounds of (mental cruelty).... the desire to believe
and to belonging...is often greater that the regard for OBJECTIVITY....
after years of making god in our own image....!!!... perhaps.....it is appropriate to allow him/her....to return the favor ......but.....this time from, inside-out..
August 2, 2015
Mary Magdalene: famous the world over as a sorry sinner and prostitute; used by Lynn Picknett in a book that serves as a springboard to disparage the charitable image of he who is best known as “Jesus”…
The author, in this book, - although promising on occasion – doesn’t so much write an evaluation of the Magdalene as much as sling pot-shot theories upon a muddied wall. By the fist-full. She leaves nothing at all demystified, but rather builds an embarrassment of confusion upon an already opaque, albeit spotty, subject. What predominates is the author’s want for discrediting biblical scripture in favour of her own “homespun” gospel of mismatched wild imaginings, fuelled by a dazzling cornucopia of equally mismatched heresies.
Page 220 offers a passage that perhaps most appropriately sums up the book...and to quote the author herself:
“Once again, however, there are many assumptions involved.”
At times insightful, but otherwise delirious with inconclusiveness and unchecked nonsense, Lynn Picknett summons Mary Magdalene once more to the prostitutes’ shrine and calls all comers to buy into – not Magdalene’s, but Picknett’s dubious wares. So laced with spiteful tonic, one comes away from Picknetts’ book feeling a little sad and incredulous on behalf the author.
The author, in this book, - although promising on occasion – doesn’t so much write an evaluation of the Magdalene as much as sling pot-shot theories upon a muddied wall. By the fist-full. She leaves nothing at all demystified, but rather builds an embarrassment of confusion upon an already opaque, albeit spotty, subject. What predominates is the author’s want for discrediting biblical scripture in favour of her own “homespun” gospel of mismatched wild imaginings, fuelled by a dazzling cornucopia of equally mismatched heresies.
Page 220 offers a passage that perhaps most appropriately sums up the book...and to quote the author herself:
“Once again, however, there are many assumptions involved.”
At times insightful, but otherwise delirious with inconclusiveness and unchecked nonsense, Lynn Picknett summons Mary Magdalene once more to the prostitutes’ shrine and calls all comers to buy into – not Magdalene’s, but Picknett’s dubious wares. So laced with spiteful tonic, one comes away from Picknetts’ book feeling a little sad and incredulous on behalf the author.
December 14, 2015
I found this book in a pile of books that someone had put in the exchange building beside my local recycling depot. You never know what you will find.
Mary Magdalene is a curious woman in the bible. She is mentioned as a companion of Jesus, but her true role is never explained. Church dogma had vilified and demeaned her. She has come to mean many things. This book looks at the different theories about Mary Magdalene and what she might mean to Christianity.
I felt that this was a very well researched book. I know some of the theories about the woman and they were covered. There were several new theories that I had not heard about before. It is always good to find something new when you read a book on a topic you have read about before.
I did not find the book to be overly scholarly. Anyone could read the book and follow the topics being discussed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Mary Magdalene. you will not be disappointed.
Mary Magdalene is a curious woman in the bible. She is mentioned as a companion of Jesus, but her true role is never explained. Church dogma had vilified and demeaned her. She has come to mean many things. This book looks at the different theories about Mary Magdalene and what she might mean to Christianity.
I felt that this was a very well researched book. I know some of the theories about the woman and they were covered. There were several new theories that I had not heard about before. It is always good to find something new when you read a book on a topic you have read about before.
I did not find the book to be overly scholarly. Anyone could read the book and follow the topics being discussed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Mary Magdalene. you will not be disappointed.
November 8, 2012
"Mary Magdalene" by Lynn Picknett is interesting but not particularly original work about famous (notorious) Biblical reformed prostitute and her possible historical role - I read some of Picknett's previous work and she is clever author with a strong sense of humor (whenever one thinks book becomes very serious, she peppers the text with some witty sayings) so although there was nothing ground-breaking here (it seems we read the same authors) I enjoyed the book mainly because of her writing style and Picknett appears to be genuinely nice person. Considering the theme, she could have been preachy but in fact Picknett is gently self-sarcastic and not afraid to laugh at her own expense. I would probably enjoy anything by her at this point.
October 28, 2010
Do you have preconceived ideas when jumping into a book with well known historical controversy? Give it up if you're going to stay with Lynn Picknett. I imagine that whatever side of the fence you're on, this will give you a heads up and a desire to yell at the author upon occasion.
There are times when her premise is not supported by background and she starts in the middle of an idea. However, this book is very well researched and if you want to know more about the Magdalene, give it a go.
Picknett's style is decidedly British but that is not a deterrent.
There are times when her premise is not supported by background and she starts in the middle of an idea. However, this book is very well researched and if you want to know more about the Magdalene, give it a go.
Picknett's style is decidedly British but that is not a deterrent.
January 25, 2014
I'm not ready for this level of supposed heresy (from the perspective of historical patriarchal Roman Christianity) at this point. Reading her work causes untold amounts of cognitive dissonance in my mind. There are serious misgivings I have about the development of Peter's version of Christianity, given numerous reports in recently discovered scripture about his hatred of Mary Magdalene and the race of women, yet am not willing to follow this alternative unfolding of a more feminine expression of hidden history. Lack of courage on my part, I suppose.
May 4, 2014
The author slams Christianity and especially the Catholic Church. In the introduction she chronicles her pilgrimage to becoming a nonbeliever. The work contends that Mary Magdalene was a non-conformer and may have been the consort of Jesus who may have been one of many Messiahs born on December 25 under a bright star. The role or lack of it of women in the Church is discussed in great detail from a feminists view. While the material is put together well it tends to enspouse anti-Christian propaganda. I placed it on my religion shelf due to the religious-like attack of religion.
October 19, 2013
The book was full of excellent examples, proofs, and interpretable information. While the author points fingers at a few people, which I found irritating, they offered quite a bit of evidence to uphold their opinions. I felt at times, though, that they may have forgotten who the book was actually about as they lead off in some seemingly random direction. Overall, not a bad read, but definitely has several great references for more in depth information.
June 7, 2013
I liked the Mary Magdalene history and the information about the "Maggies." I found there was too much supposition. I realize that given the amount of time that has passed, it is difficult to have proof of history. However, there were allot of "What ifs?" that seemed at times, a stretch. All in all, it was an interesting read.
November 9, 2014
It's an ok book. I would expect it's really for commuter reading. For such an interesting subject matter, the style of writing feels a but 'gossipy'. Wish it was more serious and bought us academic insight to the subject matter.
Not a bad book but a little bit disappointed. Not what I expected from two serious researchers.
Not a bad book but a little bit disappointed. Not what I expected from two serious researchers.
February 10, 2025
This book explores the mystery of Mary Magdalene and asks questions such as, who was Mary Magdalene as a person, a leader of the early church and as a companion of Christ? If these topics interest you, this is a good book for you.
November 21, 2008
Lynn Picknett is a little bias in her views of the Catholic church, but still informative
April 17, 2009
I thought this was an excellent book on MM. And I especially love all of Lynnn Picknett's books. Very well researched and well written! A must for any personal library stocked with MM books!
April 28, 2011
Thought provoking.
October 21, 2011
Interesting theories presented here which make me want to read more about Mary Magdalene, Jesus, and John the Baptist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews