The Magdalene Legacy: The Jesus and Mary Bloodline Conspiracy – Revelations Beyond The Da Vinci Code

by Laurence Gardner

The Jesus and Mary Bloodline Conspiracy - Revelations Beyond The Da Vinci Code From the bestselling author of Bloodline of the Holy Grail comes an explosive historical detective story. Essential reading for all fans of Dan Brown's novels, Gardner presents secret archives on the true identity of Mary Magdalene, the hidden lineage of Jesus and Mary, and the 2,000-year-old conspiracy that forms the basis of Christianity itself. Laurence Gardner's impeccable research takes us on an exciting detective trail to piece together the true, controversial significance of the Magdalene. • Mary Magdalene is described in the New Testament as Jesus' close companion and a woman that he loved. And yet, the Church teaches that she was a prostitute who, at some stage, became repentant. Why the discrepancy between scripture and dogma? • Why does Mary appeal so romantically to artists, who have painted her throughout the centuries as something much more significant than the Church traditionally portrays? • What is the secret of Mary Magdalene and how much do we really know about her relationship with Jesus? Were they married? Did they have children, and if so, who makes up the messianic lineage? The book includes exclusive insights - the Da Vinci The real meaning behind Leonardo da Vinci's paintings and why the Renaissance Church censored portrayals of the Magdalene - the sacred marriage of Jesus and Mary - the truth about the enigmatic Templar society called The Priory of Sion and the underground stream that protected the sacred heritage of the messianic descendants - the truth behind the Knights Templar - who they were and what their role was - the hidden gospel of the Magdalene, excluded from the New Testament canon - Mary Magdalene - goddess or prostitute? Her life and exile in France - the forbidden the secret resting place of Mary Magdalene.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, History, Christianity, Alternate History, Historical

546 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Laurence Gardner was a prominent author and speaker in the alternative history genre of research and writing.
--from the author's website

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. The novel focuses on Mary Magdalene and the theories surrounding her role in Jesus' life. This puts Jesus' life into context, explaining the miracles and society in which he lived. The only downside is that this is a factual/theoretical book not fiction, which makes it pretty hard going at times. You can't read huge sections without getting confused, for example, 'he was X of X, son of X, from the X family, meaning that X was X of X....' However, this really opened my eyes, in a way that the Da Vinci Code couldn't.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Much more accessible than the voluminous "Holy Blood and the Holy Grail". Well researched and argued and based very strongly on the research of barbara Schering and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Really enjoyed it!

[Claire P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meticulously researched work, suggesting that modern-day Christianity is based on flawed and innaccurate information regarding Mary Magdalene, Jesus, Jesus's mother Mary and others. The author explains in great detail how and why so-called facts became facts, even if they were not actually facts! There have been a lot of shady goings on over the centuries, I had no idea. Much suppressing of the truth, for vested interests (like today, huh). Absolutely fascinating, with potentially wide-reaching implications. I now have a new respect and reverence for Mary Magdalene, and a better understanding of her compatriots.

[Theodora Zourkas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and challenged my thinking of some beliefs. It is however quite dense to read with lots and lots of data - sometimes reads like a text book. Gardner makes some really interesting points about religion and pusing women into playing a secondary / background role. For me however, a lot of these great points were lost in the abundance of detail presented. Definately needs to be read a second or third time.

[Feodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich fand den Vergleich zwischen den biblischen, kirchlichen und historischen Fakten sehr aufschlußreich. Manche Rückschlüsse und Verbindungen fand ich etwas konstruiert aber auch nicht "schlimmer" als das was die Kirche aus ihren Fakten macht. Das letzte Drittel fand ich zuu abgehoben, es ging nur um die Darstellung der Marien in der Kunst. Das war nicht so meines

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating information based on the findings in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read for anyone looking for another side to a tale as old as time that we have all been told only one side too.

[Trent]

It started off ok, but I lost interest quickly. Gave up after 100 pages

[Lijera · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short: The most important book to have in posession on matter of Christianity. Coherent, down to the facts... Study book. Simple as that. The most valuable book on my shelf.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maria Magdaleenalla on merkittävä asemansa kristillisessä kirkossa, hän oli yksi Jeesuksen seuraajista ja tietynlainen symboli kirkon naisvihamielisyydelle, sillä hänet esitettiin katuvana huorana, vaikka tästä ei ole varsinaisesti esitetty todisteita. Dan Brownin ”Da Vinci-koodi”-romaani nosti toi suuren yleisön tietoon spekulaation Marian mahdollisesta avioliitosta Jeesuksen kanssa ja heidän yhteisestä lapsestaan, jonka jalanjälkiä Gardnerin kirja omalta osaltaan seuraa.

Kirjan ehdottomasti suurin ongelma on sen sekavuus ja kirjailija tuntuu välillä olevan kuin pahasta adhd:sta kärsivä, sillä asiat vaikuttavat jäävän kuin nalli kalliolle, kun vain löydetään jotain josta voidaan sanella pitkät pätkät. Toki aiheen ollessa Maria Magdalenan ja Jeesuksen välinen liitto, joutuu asioita väkisinkin syventämään, kun suurelle yleisölle aihe ei ole välttämättä juuri kummoisemmassa tiedossa, mutta siitä huolimatta punainen lanka oli ainakin minulla lukijana kadoksissa useammin kuin vain kerran.

Gardner jakeli kirjassa myös hyvin aktiivisesti selvää antipatiaansa Dan Brownin menestysromaani ”Da Vinci-koodia” kohtaan ja keskittyi teoksessa aktiivisesti teilaamaan hänen (Brown) jakelemiaan teorioita. Rivien välistä kalskahti pienimuotoinen katkeruus, joka saattoi juontaa juuriaan siitä, että ajatus Maria Magdalenan ja Jeesuksen spekuloidusta avioliitosta tuli laajempaan tietoisuuteen ”Da Vinci-koodin” myötä.

Vahvimmilla hetkillään ”Maria Magdalenan salaisuus” esitti mielenkiintoisia taustoja maalaustaiteessa, joka esitti Mariaa, mutta itse suhtaudun sen verran nihkeästi näennäishistoriaan, että hetkittäin mietin onko kirjan kirjoittaja järjiltään. Luulisi nimittäin ainakin suurimman osan ihmisistä tietävän, ettei erityisen suuria historiallisia faktoja ole esitetty sen tueksi, että kyseinen henkilö olisi joskus elänyt. Muuallakin siis kuin vain romanttisissa ritaritarinoissa (toki taustahenkilö hänellekin varmasti on olemassa), joten nostattaa kulmia esittää hänet yhdeksi sukupuun oksaksi.

Paljon oli kuitenkin samaa, jota oli kuultu jo aiemminkin. Kirkon naisviha, Maria Magdalenan alentaminen huoraksi ja hänen täydellinen väärinymmäryksensä läpi historian. Mielenkiintoista oli kyllä teoria siitä kuinka tällä tavoin piispat ja paavit saivat anteeksi rakastajattariensa pitämisen, kun pystyivät katumaan samoin kuin Maria oli katunut ja jos heille siunaantui lapsia, oli sitä enemmän katumista. Mitä enemmän, sen parempi.

”Maria Magdalenan salaisuudessa” olisi ollut potentiaalia tiiviiseen teoriaan Jeesuksen avioliitosta, mutta se taantuu vain näennäishistorialliseen spekulaatioon, jonka uskottavuus on vähintäänkin kyseenalainen.

[Bill Shuey]

In manner of full disclosure I only read this book for the purpose of obtaining some background information for analysis and possible inclusion in a book that I am working on.

The first half of the book, which I read, is very interesting. There is a great deal of historical information in the first half of the book which I found illuminating and interesting.

The second half which I only skimmed through concerned itself with possible descendants and families of the supposed union of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. If one buys into the presumption that Jesus and Mary were married and had a child -- then the second half of the book would be interesting. Since that aspect of the book wasn't of interest to me I didn't read it.

All in all the book would be of interest to those who enjoy possible biblical deviations from the normal presumed claims. It is well researched and written -- and conspiracy theorists will enjoy this book and its alternate possibilities concerning Jesus and his legacy.

[Tessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is the perfect example of bad history. It started off well, and I was really intriged at first, but the rest is so contrived it makes me want to blow chunks. Asserting that Mary Magdalene MUST have written a particular gospel JUST BECAUSE she names herself last in a group of people (to be polite) is so flimsy and culturally driven that no decent historian would buy that as evidence. I'm one who actually believes there's something to the whole "Blood Line" idea, but this book is just crap. In fact, it's so crappy it makes me angry.

[Overlady]

Mary Magdalene, why church painted her as a prostitute? Just who was she? Why did church try to bring her down? This book explores those themes and a looot more. Virginity of Mary, angel Gabriel, it lost it's magic now but the whole story within the bible became a lot more logical and makes sense. Talks about the beginnings of the church, and Catholics, how the popes grew in power and the lies they told. Extremely informative and well written.

Page 163

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed (and highly circumstantial) evidence that Jesus may have been married to Mary Magdalene. The best part of this book is the history of how the books of the New Testament were included/excluded over the first 4-5 centuries. (Assuming the author has his history correct.)

[Alise · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many footnotes. Gardner has really done his homework. Many arguments about Jesus' heritage, his being of rabbinical descent for example, are quite compelling. If nothing else, it will make you think and pay attention.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

another way to look at the davinci code. new theories that i never thought of before.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The truth behind the mystery of Mary Magdalene.

[Kai]

...

[Rona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on the Bloodline conspiracy...

[SHAKTI · Rating 3 out of 5]

DARING NESS

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to leave the book behind with it's owner in France. will pick it up again when I get back home.
facinating book if are interested in church history pollitics and the women's legacy of Jesus.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read if you like conspiracy and mystery. The secrets behind Mary Magdalene are unravelled in this book by Laurence Gardner. I highly recommend it.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another opinion. However, very interesting, but belief depends upon the reader.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book i have read

[Ramona Silverwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had been curious enough to read the book and finished it. You may find yourself questioning some things which had been written in the Bible. After reading this book I was more fascinated with Maria Magdalena than before .I honestly think this book is an interesting read and gives you to think about things you have learned in sunday bible school or anywhere else.
While reading this book, keep in mind that conspiracy books always like to animate you to think, but also are partial fiction and made up.Read it ,enjoy it and do not start dashing anyonce religion.