The Meaning of Mary Magdalene

Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity

By: Cynthia Bourgeault

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Mary Magdalene is one of the most influential symbols in the history of Christianity - yet, if you look in the Bible, you'll find only a handful of verses that speak of her. How did she become such a compelling saint in the face of such paltry evidence? In her effort to answer that question, Cynthia Bourgeault examines the Bible, church tradition, art, legend, and newly discovered texts to see what's there. She then applies her own reasoning and intuition, informed by the wisdom of the ages-old Christian contemplative tradition. What emerges is a radical view of Mary Magdalene as Jesus' most important disciple, the one he considered to understand his teaching best. That teaching was characterized by a nondualistic approach to the world and by a deep understanding of the value of the feminine. Cynthia shows how an understanding of Mary Magdalene can revitalize contemporary Christianity, how Christians and others can, through her, find their way to Jesus' original teachings and apply them to their modern lives.

©2010 Cynthia Bourgeault (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Ancient wisdom

Loved this book! I always felt like Mary Magdalene had a bigger role in Christianity and this really filled in missing pieces for me! I also really appreciated the significance their relationship and intimacy had on their level of spirituality!!

Loved this book!

Very informative and in-depth study of the presence of Mary Magdalene in Christianity -both as she was originally intended to be and as she is now - that dispels misinformation that has followed her for 1400 years. Very happy to have come across this book!

Life-Changing

A finely explored Gospel of Mary and Her journey through history, this work will challenge everything you know about Christianity and will resonate with your heart. I am blessed for learning this truth.

My new favorite book

I cannot fully articulate how much I needed to hear this. I had previously read the book on my own, but hearing it gave it a deeper resonance. It felt less like something I was *studying* & more something that I was *learning*. This book/audiobook has made an enormous difference in the way I now relate to the faith I was raised in & have practiced all of my life. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Fantastic work

The book was well researched and presented. I only had a bit of complaint about the performance which was the occasional change and harshness of tempo and delivery. In some places it seemed to have a judgemental, politically pointed or demeaning intensify. I felt this intensity was not helping the good cause of this case at those points in the narrative. At other times it was probably meant for emphasis, which seemed appropriate. The instances of concern were where the Church seemed attacked. Now both Catholic and Protestant come from the same thread. One cannot have a sharp voice against the Church without also splashing mud on the Protestant churches that sprang forth from it. That being said the point is well presented that for the main all Christian denominations would do well to bring Mary back into the main telling of the story. The heart of the book was so strong it brought tears.to my eyes. I really felt the Love.

As an aside, I was raised Catholic and am at odds with the Church I love. It has become a love-hate relationship and for all the reasons presented in this book. I hate the history of the Church, the atrocities sanctioned. I hate the judgmentalism and the life long sense of guilt I carry due to their indoctrination. I'm disgusted with the near killing of the Marian thread, of their distortion of her part in the drama. You have presented a great work that highlights what I like to call The Way of the Heart. I feel Mary led the spread of The Way of the Heart. I love how you teach that she and the Lord are One now. She speaks for him and for them.

Thanks