Our discussion on the Gospel of Mary of Magdala last Sunday helped us deal with the feeling that our rugs have been ripped out from under us. I would generalize our conversation as an acknowledgement that the book is both disturbing and hopeful. As Sandi put it, “When I got over the culture shock from the first time I read it, I was ready to consider what else there was to discover in the book.” At the same time, it dawned on us how encouraging it is to realize more people are taking seriously the possibility that spiritual goodness is real.
Some of the troubling questions we brought up for discussion were, “Why was Peter – the disciple we have come to love so much – so aggressive toward Mary?” “Can we trust his spiritual maturity, when we read of his less than Christian behavior?” On the other hand, is the rediscovery of this ancient text a reason for our hope that important spiritual ideas will not be forever lost?
Although the first six pages of the text (of the Gospel of Mary) are still missing, this gospel picks up in a dialogue where Jesus discusses the destruction of matter, the unreality of sin, and the relationship between deception and sickness and death. The disciples were afraid to preach this kind of news, because they feared the “world’s” hatred of their message. The Savior had commended her for “not wavering,” and Mary encouraged her fellow disciples tenderly.
Our discussion group had so many questions about what was really happening in early Christianity and what it means for us today! It piqued our curiosity, stirred our imaginations, roused some frustration, and ignited a fire within us to act on our own spiritual strength. Although we were spread out all over the country, from California, Florida, Chicago, and New York, we were drawn closely together in this powerful discussion. We could have talked for hours on this subject, and I suspect most of us acknowledged we have gained some new insights to add to the world’s discourse on Christianity.
I’m so eager to hear what others thought about it! Even if you weren’t there at the discussion, tell us what you think about this subject.
Going through my Mom’s books I found this one, so I started reading it. Have only read a few pages. loving the poetry style of the king james version, it was tough to read the modern dry language of mid-century. It was also straight-forward and honest which I soaked up–refreshing.
Haven’t women always been in the fore-front of straight-forward and honest. Like Mrs. Eddy, her writing is just that and not Victorian at all.
Men as a rule are not accepting of women in a role other than subservient. Did we honestly believe that the disciples had overcome all prejudices towards women (I don’t believe I ever really thought of it until now)? Look at present day ‘religious’ men talking women into believing that they are here to serve them again.
For me it is just confirmation that what Mrs. Eddy wrote was the truth and that she truly was listening / thinking about what she was reading/studying in the Bible those three years.
Thank you all for a lively discussion Sunday night! Shirley, thanks for sharing many insights you have learned from your research.
In my research into Mary Magdelene, I find that her deeper spiritual understanding set her apart from the other disciples and provided her a greater authority to carry-on and to present to the world, Jesus’ teachings, than her male counterparts would accept. I am entirely comfortable with a few Bible scholar’s position that she may very well have been the “Beloved Disciple” in the canonized Gospel of John.
Perhaps it was this very womanhood that gives her a more receptive heart to the Christ. Here’s a leap. Perhaps it was this very womanhood that gave her and her “community” the humility to enable the Gospel of John to be canonized, if only presented as authored by a man!
I found it informative but not helpful
Thanks so much for the leading the discussion, Shirley. Reading this book, and participating on Sunday evening, gives me hope for Christianity, “Christ’s Christianity” as Mrs. Eddy’s speaks of it. (See My. 220:14 Each) The book itself was an eye-opener for me. And reminds me of what more I can do to help in the process, through my daily prayer and living my own Christliness. Here’s the full quote: “Each day I pray for the pacification of all national difficulties, for the brotherhood of man, for the end of idolatry and infidelity, and for the growth and establishment of Christian religion — Christ’s Christianity. I also have faith that my prayer availeth, and that He who is
overturning will overturn until He whose right it is shall
reign. Each day I pray: ‘God bless my enemies; make them Thy friends; give them to know the joy and the peace of love.'”
Shirley, the Gospel of Mary, by Karen L. King was truly a culture shock, the first time I read it. I struggled to accept some of the ideas so contrary to what has become the official canon of Christianity.
While I could understand that the presumption of male dominance was undermined by Gospels that revealed a woman having a closer relationship with Jesus than any other disciple; and I could understand a Pope’s defaming her character by identifying her as the prostitute who washed Jesus’ feet in her tears of repentance (Mary was not this person), something inside me said, “I don’t want to hear that Jesus kissed Mary. Often.”
Reading it the second time for this book discussion, I was ready to face these concepts and think about them with a little less emotion.
I was glad to hear the tie-in with The DaVinci Code –that while the movie was fiction, it was probably inspired by these hidden Gospels, as an attempt to deal with some of the truths the “Church” has been hiding.
For me, the Gospel of Mary requires more than one reading. Maybe more than two, to come to terms with some of the ideas that were not heretical prior to 325 AD.
The thing that struck me the most about this book was the fact that Mary understood the internal nature of Yeshua’s, (Jesus’), teachings. “Be on your guard so that no one deceives you by saying, “Look over here!” or “Look over there!” For the child of true Humanity exists within you. Follow it!” Pg 14.
She clearly articulated Yeshua’s, (Jesus’), statements about how “There is no such thing as sin; rather you yourselves are what produces sin when you act in accordance with the nature of adultery, which is called ‘sin.’ Pg 13.
There are those who have interpreted the ancient Aramaic, (which is most likely the language Yeshua, (Jesus), taught in), and given the meaning to the word ‘sin’ of that of “missing the mark”, and to the word ‘evil’ the meaning of “unripened” or “unfinished”.
The final piece for me was when Mary quoted Yeshua as saying, “Do not lay down any rule beyond what I have determined for you, nor promulgate law like a lawgiver, or else you might be dominated by it.” Pg 14.
When taken together, I believe the power of these statements alone is enough to explain why anyone in power, or seeking power within a church or civil authority would want to censor Mary and her writings. I don’t think one needs to add the patriarchal aspects of the society, because they censored Yeshua for saying the same things.
The fact is that the core of Yeshua’s, and therefore Mary’s, teachings are completely antithetical to the establishment of any organization, civil, religious, or philosophical. They both understood that “The Kingdom of Heaven is within.” “By myself, I do nothing, but the Father through me can do all things.”
The value of this book for me rests in the translation of Mary’s gospel, not in the academic assessment and comparative analysis of her gospel with other gospels, and the debate over the origins of the material. For my money the origin of the material is far less important than the effect it has on my when I understand and apply the principals in my life.
If it leads me to understanding my true nature as Love and helps me choose Love in each moment, then I bless the source as well as the content, without regard for what system of thought, or organizational structure it may disturb.
I just wanted to add that I am grateful for this group of curious and intelligent souls. It is always rewarding for me to listen and share ideas with other spiritual aspirants.
Thank you, Tim! We’re so grateful for you – you’ve gotten us off to a great start with this conference call book club!
This was such an empowering meeting.
Coming and sharing together from our hearts about this topic brings such unity and love.
It was an awakening for me to realize the parallel between Peter and Quimby. Peter gets the credit for founding the church. Quimby receives the credit for founding Christian Science. In essence, each one does away with the Mary in their experience.
Both Marys deal with deception and domination.
Learning that Pagel and Karen King are dismissed as having authority, makes me realize more fully how the carnal mind has claimed to interfere- even with modern voices that speak the truth.
There is so much more I could say.
Most importantly, for us to come together in unity and love, to discuss this important topic, is very significant in a world where the opposite prevails.
With loving gratitude,
Sondy