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.

"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.

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.

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

life changing

this opened my eyes up to so much. I'll listen again and again as there's too much information to retain it all in one listen.

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!

Amazing take on Love and Christianity

This book gives an amazing synopsis on the new gospels and how they combine with the more known ones to not destroy, but evolve our understanding of Jesus Christ and our salvation in a beautifully crafted way.

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!!

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.