Mary Magdalene, Jesus, and a Particular “Gospel” - Discovered in 1896 as part of the Berlin Codex, the Gospel of Mary offers a fascinating glimpse into early Christian thought. Fragments suggest it circulated by the late 2nd or early 3rd century, but it wasn’t written by Mary herself. Instead, her name was likely used to lend credibility, a common practice in ancient texts. Does it challenge traditional views? Certainly. The Gospel of Mary highlights Mary’s prominent role among the disciples, portraying her as a spiritual leader who shares profound teachings from Jesus. It’s not a traditional gospel—there’s no birth, death, or resurrection narrative. Instead, it focuses on dialogue, secret teachings, and Mary’s vision of the soul’s ascent. While some claim it hints at a deeper relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, the text itself does not suggest she was his wife or romantic partner. Most scholars agree it refers to Mary Magdalene, given her prominence in other Gnostic writings. Why wasn’t it included in the Bible? Likely because it wasn’t widely used in mainstream churches and leaned toward Gnostic theology, emphasizing spiritual knowledge over the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel of Mary reminds us that early Christianity was diverse and dynamic, raising important questions about faith, authority, and the role of women in the church.
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