Engaging the Gospel of Mary Magdalene

By: Kim Beyer

Narrated by: Adele Adler

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene was penned in what most scholars identify as the third century CE. Fragments have turned up over the years - tantalizing scraps of a once widely read and copied manuscript. Unlike some Gnostic texts that create a fantastic cosmology, this small piece of writing bridges vision and reality and captures the tension between disciples enmeshed in a patriarchal culture and a woman who is sometimes called the "apostle to the apostles".

It also explores the very real death of Rabbi Yeshua (we know this man by his Western name, Jesus) and the revelation of his continued spiritual presence in the consciousness of his disciples. It is curiously “alive” and filled with strong emotional content as well as metaphysical depth.

I find myself in the good company of translators like Stephen Mitchell or Coleman Barks, working with ancient words and breathing a modern life into them. Because of this accessibility, the audiobook is a delightful resource for small group study. As with Yeshua’s Yoga, my work about the Gospel of Thomas, I have included a short essay about each translated passage, followed by an original poem that lives into the questions of the narration. Finally, there are five study questions to ponder with others or in a journal.

I’ve also included a short resource segment at the end of the audiobook to further your inquiry into this complex and beautiful piece of ancient writing. Scripture of any kind is meant to be chewed with your whole being. I am challenging you to relate the narration to your past and your own evolving journey in a way that is both deep and intimate. Enjoy your journey!

©2019 Kimberly K Nunneley (P)2019 Kimberly K. Nunneley