The Meaning of Mary Magdalene

Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity

By: Cynthia Bourgeault

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

"Love is the ground into which you live, move and

Cynthia Bourgeault does an excellent job in giving us something to ponder on the relationship of Mary Magdalene and Jesus.

Gifted scholar, Episcopal priest and contemplative, Cynthia gives us a history of some of the newly discovered books written by Jesus' disciples, Thomas, Peter, Phillip ( books discovered in 1945 in Egypt) & Mary Magdalene. "The Gospel of Mary" was discovered in the late 1800's in Germany.

In reading "The Gospel of Mary" one is impelled to acknowledge that there was indeed a special relationship between Mary and Jesus. When you love someone deeply, you can choose to reveal yourself or stay within yourself. If both relinquish their "ego", a deep friendship can
turn into a mystical union and possibly a physical union. You can't separate yourself into different kinds of love, it's all one bundle.

Whether Mary and Jesus were married is in the "eye of the beholder". Only one who has experienced this kind of relationship can come to this understanding.

Cynthia, brings to the forefront the anointing of Jesus by Mary Magdalene and encourages us to look deeper into the heart, the meaning and reason for such an act of love. This symbol of transforming love par excellence. Pure creativity-connection-alignment in the realm of the unseen. Two human lovers into one union soul. The heart of Christianity.

Mary Magdalene is a full member of Jesus inner circle. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Exquisite Spirituality

She leads the way for those given the grace to follow. Such depth of wisdom, study and learning. So very rich that it takes a while to digest and fully savor. More please!

Beautifully written; Beautifully performed

This book has reawakened me to the mysteries of spirit. And read by Gabri Zachman, sings its poetic truths as a psalm.
Most highly recommended

A very meaningful read for me

It wasn’t perfect… the first half was great and then it seemed to drag on a bit. What I loved about it was seeing Mary Magdalene in a new light as someone worth revering. She was one of the few people that stayed with Jesus through the end, which took immense faith and courage. She was indeed the first apostle and doesn’t always get the recognition. This book also introduced me to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene which is now one of my favorites. This book was the being of my journey into Christian mysticism, and so it’s very important to me.

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!

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!!

Beautiful and Fascinating Listen

I loved this so much! What a fascinating look into Mary Magdalene, her importance and the lessons to gain from her that we sorely need right now. I found this book deeply rich and moving to listen to. I also loved the narrator and her style of reading. Highly recommend the audiobook.

A gift for the journey into becoming fully human!

Dr. Bourgeault depth & breath of knowledge & wisdom renewed my soul & provided hope & nourishment for the journey. Blessings to her & to all who read it!

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