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

Rating:
Summary: A passionate eye
Review: A blend of fierce scholarship and visionary passion. Dr. Jane Schaberg's Mary Magdalene is a woman triumphant, reborn from history in this readable, laudable, fascinating book.

Rating:
Summary: a most thought provoking read
Review: Although I do not often read books of this type, I found it to be a fascinating and in depth presentation -- particularly the references to and contrasts with Virginia Wolfe-
I have and will recommend it to friends- who have an interest in women's issues and the genisis of many modern attitiudes-
One does not have to be a scholar to appreciate this work-

Rating:
Summary: The Resurrection of Mary Magdalen
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Mary Magdalene for the Non-Theologian
Review: I can only write this review from a non-theological point of view. I am a systems-programmer, not a scholar. Having been brought up Roman Catholic, then fallen far, far away into what might be called "unorthodox deism", I am astonished by the difference between the canonical New Testament texts I was taught, and the views Jane Schaberg expresses. So, the canonical Matthew, Mark, Luke and John aren't "history"? This is refreshing, because taken as history they don't make all
that much sense. The additional frequent allusions to the documents from Nag Hammadi and other apocrypha point the way to "the way things might have been different" from the canonical teachings, and help to look at the historical Jesus as a real person, not a simpering victim of Augustinian prudery.
This last helps support Schaberg's postulation that Mary Magdalene, among other women, may have been not distant followers of Jesus but intimate companions and the true proclaimers of his message to the apostles and to the world.

Rating:
Summary: Mary Magdalene for the Non-Theologian
Review: I can only write this review from a non-theological point of view. I am a systems-programmer, not a scholar. Having been brought up Roman Catholic, then fallen far, far away into what might be called "unorthodox deism", I am astonished by the difference between the canonical New Testament texts I was taught, and the views Jane Schaberg expresses. So, the canonical Matthew, Mark, Luke and John aren't "history"? This is refreshing, because taken as history they don't make all
that much sense. The additional frequent allusions to the documents from Nag Hammadi and other apocrypha point the way to "the way things might have been different" from the canonical teachings, and help to look at the historical Jesus as a real person, not a simpering victim of Augustinian prudery.
This last helps support Schaberg's postulation that Mary Magdalene, among other women, may have been not distant followers of Jesus but intimate companions and the true proclaimers of his message to the apostles and to the world.

Rating:
Summary: Mary Magdalene Resurrected
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A passionate eye
Review: Interesting possibilities emerge in a reader's mind as one sees Mary Magdalene's interaction with Jesus and the apostles. This book examines all sides of the biblical stories and raises provoking thought of her role in the life of Jesus. The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene is done with careful research and it encourages thought and discussion.
I consider the controversies here a challenge to the curious reader and ones to fire the imagination of the poorly informed. I give the book five stars.

Rating:
Summary: The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene
Review: Interesting possibilities emerge in a reader's mind as one sees Mary Magdalene's interaction with Jesus and the apostles. This book examines all sides of the biblical stories and raises provoking thought of her role in the life of Jesus. The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene is done with careful research and it encourages thought and discussion.
I consider the controversies here a challenge to the curious reader and ones to fire the imagination of the poorly informed. I give the book five stars.

Rating:
Summary: Brava, Dr. Schaberg
Review: Jane Schaberg's The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene is an adventure...at times delightful, at times profoundly sad. Her seemingly improbable juxtaposition of Mary Magdalene and Virginia Woolf is not only justified, it's necessary.
In the highest academic tradition, Dr. Schaberg displays exhaustive research and careful synthesis; in the best feminist tradition, she reveals her intensely personal journey. Best of all, she shares her journey with the reader.

Rating:
Summary: Brava, Dr. Schaberg
Review: Jane Schaberg's The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene is an adventure...at times delightful, at times profoundly sad. Her seemingly improbable juxtaposition of Mary Magdalene and Virginia Woolf is not only justified, it's necessary.
In the highest academic tradition, Dr. Schaberg displays exhaustive research and careful synthesis; in the best feminist tradition, she reveals her intensely personal journey. Best of all, she shares her journey with the reader.