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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
The Truth Within:
The Gospel of Mary MagdaleneI think this book reveals the true teaching of Jesus that being we find God within and that sin is created through our own corrupt activities. The book also demonstrates how the male perspective of religion absolutely rules and it time for all women to gather around Mary Magdalene and what she heard and what she believed. She provides a Spiritual Doctrine and not a Religious Doctrine. In my mind I ask the question, why is God defined as He. Men are not as powerful as... more info
Analyzed.:
This is a Gospel that is very short in itself. Taken from the parchment found in a cave. It is analyzed
by a lot of different people, and is ear opening to listen to.
Re-read it and you will get more out of it!:
The first time I read this book it was as if my Catholic brain could not absorb the detail. I re-read it and similarly I have very limited memory of reading it at all. The third time was the charm, it all started to click in to place, it was as if my brain had to be jump started. I am now reading it again, 4th time, and hope that I glean even more. I like the way the material is presented by the Author as well, his insights into early Christian/Jewish, or vice versa, traditions are interesting as well. All... more info
a little objectivity please....:
In all this debate about Mary Magdelene (and now Judas), one all-important fact seems to elude us "enlightened" moderns: the Church Fathers, who established the official canon at the Council on Nicaea, lived nearly 1600 years closer to the time of Christ than we do. That means that the apostolic Traditions, which they strove to follow, were much fresher in memory; in other words: there were only 400 years of transmission of those traditions. 1600 years later, along come the moderns, suddenly boasting that... more info
