Search engine for discovering works of Art, research articles, and books related to Art and Culture
Javascript must be enabled to continue!
The Fictional and Gnostic Mary Magdalene
View through CrossRef
Abstract
Although ancient Gnosticism and modern fiction seem to be worlds apart, recent novels featuring Mary Magdalene as protagonist have taken advantage of the easy availability of English translations of ancient esoteric documents in their portrayals of her character. The chapter first provides a brief introduction to the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in noncanonical early Christian writings. This research is used in three well-known contemporary Mary Magdalene novels: Elizabeth George, Mary, Called the Magdalene; Ki Longfellow, The Secret Magdalene; and Kathleen McGowan, The Expected One. The tradition of the Magdalene as repentant prostitute is replaced by her portrayal as enlightened woman, albeit with a past that includes demonic possession. The conclusion considers the presentation of Gnosticism in these novels and the influence of popular culture on the public perception of biblical scholarship.
Title: The Fictional and Gnostic Mary Magdalene
Description:
Abstract
Although ancient Gnosticism and modern fiction seem to be worlds apart, recent novels featuring Mary Magdalene as protagonist have taken advantage of the easy availability of English translations of ancient esoteric documents in their portrayals of her character.
The chapter first provides a brief introduction to the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in noncanonical early Christian writings.
This research is used in three well-known contemporary Mary Magdalene novels: Elizabeth George, Mary, Called the Magdalene; Ki Longfellow, The Secret Magdalene; and Kathleen McGowan, The Expected One.
The tradition of the Magdalene as repentant prostitute is replaced by her portrayal as enlightened woman, albeit with a past that includes demonic possession.
The conclusion considers the presentation of Gnosticism in these novels and the influence of popular culture on the public perception of biblical scholarship.
Related Results
Finding the Drastic: Exploring Forms of Attention in Piano Performance
Finding the Drastic: Exploring Forms of Attention in Piano Performance
<p>While Carolyn Abbate’s essay “Music – Drastic or Gnostic” sets provocative parameters for considering performance, she also makes a bold stand on the mutual exclusivity of...
Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John
Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John
Abstract
In modern Western culture, Mary Magdalene is perhaps best known for her being the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared (protophany) and for her pr...
Gnostic Religion in Antiquity
Gnostic Religion in Antiquity
Gnostic religion is the expression of a religious worldview which is dominated by the concept of Gnosis, an esoteric knowledge of God and the human being which grants salvation to ...
Defining the Real Mary Magdalene
Defining the Real Mary Magdalene
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the major evidence and modern works defining Mary Magdalene as a real person. The body of evidence concerning Mary Magd...
Mary Magdalene in the Synoptic Gospel Narratives
Mary Magdalene in the Synoptic Gospel Narratives
Abstract
Mary Magdalene appears in all three Synoptic Gospels as a witness to the final events of the gospel narratives, including the crucifixion, burial, tomb, and...
Gnostic Myth in Manichaeism?
Gnostic Myth in Manichaeism?
Abstract
The widespread assumption that the Manichaean religion depended on some antecedent form of “Gnosticism” requires critical assessment. Manichaean myth shows no distinctive ...
Mary Magdalene in Theological Perspective across Gospel Texts
Mary Magdalene in Theological Perspective across Gospel Texts
Abstract
Mary Magdalene is a figure of significance for Christianity in the first centuries of its life. She is associated closely with Jesus’s ministry as a faithfu...
Mary Magdalene in Africa
Mary Magdalene in Africa
Abstract
Mary Magdalene is a little-known figure among contemporary African Christians, aside from their encounter with her story in the gospels. As a result, there ...