Resurrection of Mary Magdalene: Legends, Apocrypha, and the Christian Testament

This is a wonderful book if, like me, you want to explore the various modern interpretations of Mary Magdalene. The author begins by showing why the portrayal that has come down to us through the centuries of a "repentant prostitute," is not substantiated by either Biblical or historical scholarship. She then goes on to explain the various theories and possibilities to help as construct a more accurate picture of Magdalene. She does this in a scholarly way--but her writing avoids the jargon and unnecessarily long words of some other scholarly books on religion. In other words, you're not likely to fall asleep reading it. In fact, it's an eye-opener. Schaberg brings together and explains a number of different theories about Magdalene and about the events surrounding the Crucifixion. I personally didn't feel the quotes from Virginia Woolf were necessary, but I appreciate her attempt to make the material even more meaningful by using them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to unravel the Magdalene mystery.

In this book Schaberg skillfully and insightfully sifts through the layers of legends that have accrued to the figure of Mary Magdalene in order to "resurrect" this important figure in Christian history. In contrast to other books which simply recount the many legends associated with the Magdalene, Schaberg undertakes a critical analysis of these legends, demonstrating ways in which the legends have been used to both empower and depower the Magdalene. In successive chapters, Schaberg examines archaeological remains, depictions of the Magdalene in film and literature, the transformation of the Magdalene from "apostolic witness" to "whore", and gnostic/apocryphal traditions associated with the Magdalene. In concluding chapters Schaberg points to Mary Magdalene and the discovery of the empty tomb as the source of resurrection faith, and makes a bold and persuasive argument for Mary Magdalene as the prophetic successor of Jesus, similar to the way in which Elisha succeeded Elijah. Schaberg's proposition for "Magdalene Christianity" invites serious reconsideration of previous reconstructions of Christian origins. This is a book that will be of interest to students of the Bible and early Christianity, as well as those engaged in women's studies. It is a challenging and worthwhile read.

Schaberg's book is a challenging read, but should be accessable to one who reads feminist/womanist authors, Biblical scholars or both. She has meticulously reviewed and analysed the literature and film on or related to Mary Magdalene. She has summarized the limited archaeological work done at Migdal. Perhaps I have been afraid of Virginia Woolf. Now I will read her work, and try to compare it with the work of Mary Ann Evans. I have been interested in what Evans says about religion. I find Schaberg's discovery of allusion to 2 Kings 2 in John 20 to be breathtaking... I will be spending a lot of time with this book.

This is a masterful book. The scholarship is impressive, but it is the combination of solid learning with the personal that is unusual and engaging. Schaberg is fearlessly feminist, but this is not a polemic. She is persuasive and at times even poetic. For those interested in Mary Magdalene or Virginia Woolf this book is a must-read, but everyone interested in the origins of Christianity and the impact of patriarchy on human institutions will find a great deal of interest here.

Highest recommendation.Join Dr. Schaberg as she guides us through centuries of passion, faith, sexism, intrigue and sabotage, as she untangles the story/stories of Magdalen with voluminous knowledge, a feminist's questioning eye, wit and, thank god, a wonderful sense of humor and irony. It truly is a epic of "biblical plus" proportions.For those of us who are not scripture scholars, Ms. Schaberg has compiled an enormous amount of research into a readable and entertaining book. I couldn't put it down once I began reading. Dr. Schaberg style is conversational and friendly; she introduces us to and credits many scholars and writers upon whose works she builds, with whom she disagrees, and she leaves us with a treasure trove bibliography should we wish to continue our own research. Virginia Woolf joins us as mentor, as companion and co-guide in this unusual exploration. Her presence makes the journey an absolute joy, despite the fences and barriers we encounter in our climbing and excavating.This is a book for readers who ask questions, engage in religious reflection, and like to peel away layers of cultural paint in search of women's ancestors.