Mary Magdalene as Patron of Feminist Politics and Theology

Abstract Mary Magdalene’s womanhood has been a defining characteristic of how she has been interpreted throughout history. Her gender is directly connected to the notions of physicality and sexuality, which in turn are assessed in terms of morality. This chain of connections has had a lasting impact on how Mary Magdalene has been theologically interpreted, and in turn how women at large have been positioned in Christian traditions. It has resulted in a myriad of interpretations, which provide Mary Magdalene with roles ranging from prostitute to prominent disciple, and from penitent sinner to female leader. This chapter, by discussing the Synoptic Gospel references, the search for a historical Magdalene, and her vast reception history, argues how this multiplicity is key to studying Mary Magdalene through a feminist lens.