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. 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 Magdalene Christianity might be a source for social transformation. An epilogue, completely new to this book, looks at the phenomenon of "The Da Vinci Code".

About the Author
Jane Schaberg is Professor of Religious Studies and Women's Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy. She is the author of The Illegitimacy of Jesus, and an editor of On the Cutting Edge: The Study of Women in the Biblical World. As an acknowledged expert on Mary Magdalene, she has appeared in the Washington Times, on CNN and in Newsweek. Melanie Johnson-Debaufre is Assistant Professor of Religion at Luther College.

Reviews
"Schaberg combines biblical scholarship, imagination, and feminist advocacy into a major work of methodological originality that reveals persuasive themes. Schaberg's book breaks new ground and is recommended for all libraries; required for seminary and feminist collections." Carolyn M. Croft, Library Journal, June 15, 2002 "Among the plethora of recent books on Mary, Schaberg's stands out for its careful research, its literary artistry and its reflections on the meaning of it all...She is undaunted by the paucity of solid historical information, turning over every pebble of evidence about Mary Magdalene and examining it meticulously under her critical lenses. Schaberg is also a poet, which is evident in every lovely turn of phrase and precise expression" Karen L. King, The Women's Review of Books, March 2003 "Schaberg combines biblical scholarship, imagination, and feminist advocacy into a major work of methodological originality that reveals persuasive themes. Schaberg's book breaks new ground and is recommended for all libraries; required for seminary and feminist collections." Library Journal "Readers interested in a book bursting with information about Mary Magdalene will find Jane Schaberg's book a must-read. This powerfully packed volume offers a feast for those interested in a wide range of subjects on this significant early Christian figure. I find what she has offered us to be an enriching and satisfying banquet from which readers will not go away hungry." Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Fall 2005"



Book Information
ISBN 9780826418982
Author Dr. Jane Schaberg
Format Hardback
Page Count 176
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC