The success of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code has raised new interest in Mary Magdalene and in the Gospel of Mary. Here, the author examines Mary Magdalene's influence on the beginnings of Christianity and asks what was her impact and her message? And furthermore, what became of her and her ideas? Esther de Boer studies the Gospel of Mary (the only Gospel to be named after a woman) to discover what it reveals about Mary Magdalene and to determine the origin of its portrayal. She argues that the Gospel of Mary is not a Gnostic writing but is more closely related to the writings of Philo, the letters of Paul and the Gospel of John. She demonstrates that esteem of Mary Magdalene did not just belong to the Gnostic tradition but to a broader Christian context. In order to determine this context, the study identifies the different portrayals of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, analyses their concepts of discipleship and their views on women, and investigates their historical 'reality'. Esther de Boer concludes that the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of Mary is close to that in the Gospel of John, and investigates the possibility that she is concealed in the Johannine disciple loved by Jesus.

Restores to the forefront of the Christian tradition the importance of the divine feminine • The first complete English-language translation of the original Coptic Gospel of Mary, with line-by-line commentary • Reveals the eminence of the divine feminine in Christian thought • Offers a new perspective on the life of one of the most controversial figures in the Western spiritual tradition Perhaps no figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. Also known as Miriam of Magdala, Mary Magdalene was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christianity because she was the first witness to the Resurrection. In most theological studies she has been depicted as a reformed prostitute, the redeemed sinner who exemplifies Christ's mercy. Today's reader can ponder her role in the gospels of Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Bartholomew--the collection of what have come to be known as the Gnostic gospels rejected by the early Christian church. Mary's own gospel is among these, but until now it has remained unknown to the public at large. Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup's translation of the Gospel of Mary from the Coptic and his thorough and profound commentary on this text are presented here for the first time in English. The gospel text and the spiritual exegesis of Leloup together reveal unique teachings that emphasize the eminence of the divine feminine and an abiding love of nature over the dualistic and ascetic interpretations of Christianity presented elsewhere. What emerges from this important source text and commentary is a renewal of the sacred feminine in the Western spiritual tradition and a new vision for Christian thought and faith throughout the world.

The Gospels of the Marginalized provides an exciting new study of three of the most maligned figures in the New Testament story of Jesus: Thomas, usually considered the quintessential doubter among the disciples; Mary Magdalene, characterized as a repentant prostitute during much of the history of the church; and Judas Iscariot, presented as the despicable disciple of Jesus who betrayed his master for money. In this book Marvin Meyer, one of the most prominent of the scholars of gnostic texts and other early Christian literature, offers fresh and accurate translations of the Gospels of Thomas, Mary, and Judas, with their proclamation of the good news of the wisdom of Jesus, and he uses these gospels as the occasion to reexamine the place of Thomas, Mary Magdalene, and Judas Iscariot in the Jesus movement. His striking analysis suggests that Thomas was no doubter, that Mary Magdalene was a beloved disciple in the inner circles of disciples around Jesus, and that the tale of Judas Iscariot as betrayer of Jesus is a piece of fiction. Meyer adds a "Gospel of the Redeemed" as a vivid illustration of how the gospel story of Jesus might read with Jesus as a Jewish teacher of wisdom and Thomas, Mary, and Judas restored as loyal followers of the teacher from Nazareth.

Claire Nahmad and Margaret Bailey re-evaluate the significance of Mary Magdalene and cast her in an entirely new light. They have discovered that not only was she wife to Jesus Christ and mother to his child, but she was his spiritual equal and their partnership exemplified the crucial balance of male and female in spiritual and worldly life. Jesus gave her the title of Magdalene which means both tower and magnificent, because he recognized her as his consort and co-teacher. However, Mary's role was re-written by the early church and it is only now that her secret teachings can be made known - thanks to the revelation to the authors of the lost verses of The Gospel of Mary, through their skills of inner listening. Her teachings are not religious in the narrow sense, they are spiritual and accessible to everyone. They not only reveal the hidden key to unlocking the powers of the soul, which is the next stage of development for humanity, but also signal the beginning of a new age in which the sacred feminine assumes its rightful place.

Closely examines John's portrayal of women in relation to discipleship and the theme of new creation, arguing that these depictions are influenced by his apocalyptic world-view. By employing historical and literary methods of biblical interpretation to analyse John's presentation of women and gender, Miller explores the extent to which John gives any indications of the female role in both John's community and the beginnings of the Christian faith. Beginning with the Virgin Mary's portrayal at the wedding at Cana, where she prompts Jesus to carry out his first sign, Miller then thoroughly asses several crucial female characters in John to stress how Jesus' female followers truly recognise him as the Messiah. These include the Samaritan woman, Martha and Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene and her encounter with Jesus in the garden. Crucially, Miller suggests that John's frequent use of “woman” links these female followers (particular Jesus' venerated mother) with the figure of Eve in Genesis, and she concludes that women are associated with the “hour” of Jesus when he casts out the “ruler of the world” and inaugurates the new creation.

A dazzling look at the most elusive figure in Christ's life Mary Magdalene was a key figure in Christ's life. She was present at his Crucifixion and she was also the first person to see him resurrected. According to Dan Brown's multi-million selling THE DA VINCI CODE, she was also his wife and the mother of his children. In the Gospels, she is described as an outcast and a harlot. This may be due to the disciples' jealousy of Jesus' love for Mary and the closeness of his relationship with her that was not replicated in his relationships with them. In SECRETS OF MARY MAGDALENE, Dan Burstein explodes the myths and analyses who Mary Magdalene was, the true nature of her relationship with Christ and her role in the Christian faith. Did Mary write her own Gospel? If so, what did it say? Where did she come from? Was she Jewish? How did she live? So many questions exist about this lady, Google can find mention of her on 1,740,000 sites in 0.3 seconds. This book will find the answers.

"Eastern Orthodoxy illuminated by the Gospel is one of the greatest books ever written about the Orthodoxy. Reading the book Eastern Orthodoxy illuminated by the Gospel is like climbing a high mountain, where your visual field gets expanded with each step, discovering new and exciting details, and finally gives an exceptional panoramic view that evokes the strongest feelings! Each new line is like a new stair leading to a highest top, from where you can observe the whole Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy from God's perspective. Light of the glorious Gospel and Christ's teachings shines like the sun throughout this book, illuminating a complete profession of faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church." Sladjan Djuric Author of the book Only Scripture, Serbia "I have never understood why Eastern Orthodox people practice or believe certain things. When I would ask, I would either get silence or a very confusing and superficial answer. Ivica's book made those mysterious things clear for the first time and helped me understand the essence and the roots of the Orthodox religion. Without exaggeration I think this is a first-class apologetic manual ever written. Everyone who is called to work with Orthodox believers should have this book because it can help them understand the people who practice Eastern Orthodoxy, and give them directions how to pray and preach the Gospel more efficiently (2. Corinthians 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:12).'' Jan Vareca Editor of a Christian e-magazine 'The trumpet of Zion', Serbia "Eastern Orthodoxy has been largely unknown in the West, but in the recent years there has been a surge of interest, particularly among Christians of Protestant/Evangelical orientation, many of whom wish to find out more about this mystical expression of faith that captivates by its ancient charm and connection to the early church fathers. The book Eastern Orthodoxy Illuminated by the Gospel by Ivica Stamenkovic will unlock the mysteries of Eastern Orthodoxy for the Western readers. A native of Serbia, a country with a strong Eastern Orthodox majority, Ivica had the advantage of studying Eastern Orthodoxy at its source. The product of his studies is a volume that deserves to be called nothing less than a textbook on Eastern Orthodoxy and probably the first of its kind available in the English language. His clear, scholarly approach leaves no stones unturned. Needless to say, a study such as this one has been long overdue in the West. Even though scholarly, the book is by no means "dry" and is an enjoyable read, cover to cover." Alex Jovanovic Pastor of Mooretown Brethren in Christ Church Sandusky, Michigan, USA

As Christian believers, we have been given the powerful weapon of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With the vast amount of resources available today, including ChatGPT, we have no excuse for neglecting to sharpen our swords and deepen our understanding of God’s Word. With ChatGPT at our fingertips, we have an amazing opportunity to learn more about the Bible, deepen our faith, and grow in our spiritual walk. So, let’s take advantage of this wonderful resource and allow it to help us sharpen our swords and become more effective in our Christian walk. There is a warning in their program which states: ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. If there is an error cited in their response, we post the above warning: ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.

Cutting-edge contributions on early Christian Marys offer a variety of perspectives by leading scholars, and probe the earliest traditions on the Marys, both canonical and non-canonical, as preserved in Western and Oriental languages. Paperback edition is available from the Society of Biblical Literature (www.sbl-site.org).