Product Description

Restores to the forefront of the Christian tradition the importance
of the divine feminine.
* The first complete English-language translation of the original Coptic Gospel of Mary, with line-by-line commentary.
* Reveals the eminence of the divine feminine in Christian thought.
* Offers a new perspective on the life of one of the most controversial figures in the Western spiritual tradition.

Perhaps no figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. Also known as Miriam of Magdala, Mary Magdalene was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christianity because she was the first witness to the Resurrection. In most theological studies she has been depicted as a reformed prostitute, the redeemed sinner who exemplifies Christ's mercy. Today's reader can ponder her role in the gospels of Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Bartholomew--the collection of what have come to be known as the Gnostic gospels rejected by the early Christian church. Mary's own gospel is among these, but until now it has remained unknown to the public at large.

Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup's translation of the Gospel of Mary from the Coptic and his thorough and profound commentary on this text are presented here for the first time in English. The gospel text and the spiritual exegesis of Leloup together reveal unique teachings that emphasize the eminence of the divine feminine and an abiding love of nature over the dualistic and ascetic interpretations of Christianity presented elsewhere. What emerges from this important source text and commentary is a renewal of the sacred feminine in the Western spiritual tradition and a new vision for Christian thought and faith throughout the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43885 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

KJ, Napra ReView, May/June 2002
There are some fascinating glimpses at gender politics between the earliest followers of Jesus and the enigmatic personage of Mary Magdalene.

About the Author
Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup is the founder of the Institute of Other Civilization Studies and the International College of Therapists. His other books include Absurdity and Grace, Lack and Fullness, and a commentary on the Gospel of Thomas. He lives in France.

Customer Reviews

Seemed preachy
Given the relative neglect of Mary Magdalene by the orthodox Church, her role for the Cathars, and given that this gospel's text intrigues me, a helpful commentary of this Gospel would be welcome.

It's not this one: the commentary is mostly LeLoup's advice, not particularly gnostic and not focused so much on this gospel. There seems to be little attention to any relevant conditions of the times when the Gospel was written. At times the commentary sounds like pop psychology. I'm afraid I didn't learn anything from Leloup's commentary.

Fortunely, an outstanding commentary on the Gospel of Mary exists: "The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the Woman Apostle" by Karen King of Harvard Divinity School.

"For It Is Within You"
It is always interesting to look at the scriptures which were rejected by the early church leaders. In this instance it seems that two of the more threatening elements are probably the special emphasis placed on the Presence to be discovered and allowed to grow within us as well as the central position accorded to Mary Magdalene.

The format of the text is done in a highly readable style. You don't have to be an academic to understand it. The commentary is particularly good. The author highlights both the unique aspects of this gospel and also its similarities to the four canonical Gospels. Anyone interested in learning more about Mary Magdalene and the development of early Christianity will enjoy reading THE GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE.

An interesting, if somewhat heavy read
Part of the fascination for this book comes from the fact that it is one of those (many) gospels that didn't make it into the canon of (only) four that we've come to know. The other is, of course (in the days of Dan Brown and teh Da Vinci code), that it has to do with Mary Magdalene. However, those seeking some enlightenment on the relationship between Jesus and Mary in the tone of gossip magazines, be warned - this book is not for you.

The book is in fact highly complex, which is small wonder as the text of the gospel itself is very short and then only fragmentary. Leloups tries to explain the message of the fragment, and does this admirably well, including diagrams. At times I had the feeling that he was using the text only as point of departure for his own religous musings, which is why I deducted one star. Also, the diagrams were not always clear and often I was not too sure what Leloups was trying to get at.

Apart from these slight criticisms, the gospel of Mary Magdalene paints a very interesting and wholly different view of Christianity, a view which will sound strange to most Christian ears. This is both a tribute to the force of Jesus' message and an indication of all that Christianity has left behind in the course of its development.

Surprisingly, the book has the original koptic text facing a prose translation. While I don't pretend to even be able to understand the koptic, this does give the reader a certain feeling of authority over the text and adds to the authenticity - a nice touch that.

Despite its difficulties this is a book well worth reading if you are interested in early Christian texts, what Christianity might have been and the books that didn't make it into the canon. If you are not that committed to these questions then just reread the gospel according to St. John and bear in mind that the (unnamed) disciple Jesus loved most is probabaly Mary Magdalene and that this gospel therefore is a later and 'purified' gospel of Mary Magdalene.