What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gospels of Mary: The Secret Tradition of Mary Magdalene, the Companion of Jesus
Collected together for the first time are the original Gospel of Mary , one of the "Gnostic Gospels," and three other secret texts that reveal the significant role Mary Magdalene played in Jesus' inner circle of disciples. This is a new translation of the Gospel of Mary , as well as Meyer's translations of significant portions of other Gnostic gospels and texts in which Mary Magdalene plays a major part, including the Gospel of Philip , the Gospel of Thomas, Dialogues with the Saviour , and Pistis Sophia . Also included are the passages in the New Testament Gospels that feature Mary Magdalene, and they can now be read in a whole new light. Cumulatively, these texts reveal a vibrant oral tradition in which Mary Magdalene is not only a follower of Jesus but his companion and closest disciple. The book will include lively historical introduction by Meyer, and an interpretive essay by Karen King at Harvard Divinity School, the foremost expert on the Gospel of Mary, whose translation and commentary on the Gospel of Mary is being published by an academic press in October '03.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2004
39 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Marvin W. Meyer
35 books65 followersMarvin Meyer is a scholar of religion and a tenured professor at Chapman University, in Orange, California.
He is the Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies at Chapman University and Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute. He is also Director of the Coptic Magical Texts Project of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity. Dr. Meyer is the author of numerous books and articles on Greco-Roman and Christian religions in antiquity and late antiquity, and on Albert Schweitzer's ethic of reverence for life. He has been interviewed on television programs that have aired on ABC, BBC, CNN, PBS, A&E, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the National Geographic Channel.
Professor Meyer is best known for his translations of the texts of documents associated with the ancient mystery religions, early Christian magic, and Gnostic texts, of which the most notable have been the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas. He is regarded as an authority on Gnosticism and has published many books on the subject.
Meyer died of melanoma on August 16, 2012.
He is the Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies at Chapman University and Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute. He is also Director of the Coptic Magical Texts Project of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity. Dr. Meyer is the author of numerous books and articles on Greco-Roman and Christian religions in antiquity and late antiquity, and on Albert Schweitzer's ethic of reverence for life. He has been interviewed on television programs that have aired on ABC, BBC, CNN, PBS, A&E, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the National Geographic Channel.
Professor Meyer is best known for his translations of the texts of documents associated with the ancient mystery religions, early Christian magic, and Gnostic texts, of which the most notable have been the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas. He is regarded as an authority on Gnosticism and has published many books on the subject.
Meyer died of melanoma on August 16, 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 10, 2018
The book starts out noting that Mary Magdalene provided support for the Jesus movement which probably means financial support and maybe helping in whatever way she could. Then it goes into various very interesting points:
Peter said that Mary, as a woman, does not know her place. (Indeed, some things never seem to change.)
Pope Gregory in the 7th Century was the one who began all the nasty talk about Mary, referring to her as a prostitute even there there was no actual Biblical evidence for saying that.
The Gospel of Mark was written around 70C.E., the gospels of Matthew and Luke maybe ten to twenty years later and the Gospel of John around 90 C.E.
There are differences in their accounts of what happened at the tomb with one saying Mary saw a youth there, another account had her seeing an angel and another account had her seeing two men.
The Gospel of Mary is then covered stating with an explanation of what it is, that much of it is missing and that Peter and Andrew couldn't accept Mary's statements because she was a woman (ignoring the fact that neither of them had the guts to go to the tomb also.)
Each gospel covered is similar in that it contains first an explanation of what it's about and at the end suggestions for further reading, both of which are a very intelligent way to cover the topic.
The Gospel of Thomas is next to be discussed. It came about sometime during the first century. It's a gospel of wisdom containing sayings of Jesus. Peter, being his sexist self, says that females are 'not worthy of life.' Hey, Peter. No females, no Peter. No Jesus. No no one.
The Gospel of Phillip is next. Mary walked with Jesus. Jesus loved Mary more than the other disciples. (Maybe because she bothered to actually listen to what he was saying and practice it?)
The Dialogue of the Savior (partial) is covered next. Mary is noted as saying that the troubles of each day are sufficient, workers deserve their food and disciples resemble their teacher.
Pistis Sophia is next. This can also be titled Faith Wisdom. Mary Magdalene is very important in this one. Jesus notes that her heart is set on Heaven's Kingdom more than the other disciples. Peter (yep, him again) says that Mary gets in their way and that she talks all the time.
The Manichean Psalms of Heracleides is next. Jesus tells Mary to get the disciples together.
Mary Magdalene In the Spotlight is the last portion of the book. This notes that Jesus noted that Mary 'understood every thing.' She learned things before the others did. The regular gospels started the demotion of Mary's contributions and established the 'Mary's not important since she's a woman' trend that only in relatively recent years has begun to be corrected.
A really good book.
Peter said that Mary, as a woman, does not know her place. (Indeed, some things never seem to change.)
Pope Gregory in the 7th Century was the one who began all the nasty talk about Mary, referring to her as a prostitute even there there was no actual Biblical evidence for saying that.
The Gospel of Mark was written around 70C.E., the gospels of Matthew and Luke maybe ten to twenty years later and the Gospel of John around 90 C.E.
There are differences in their accounts of what happened at the tomb with one saying Mary saw a youth there, another account had her seeing an angel and another account had her seeing two men.
The Gospel of Mary is then covered stating with an explanation of what it is, that much of it is missing and that Peter and Andrew couldn't accept Mary's statements because she was a woman (ignoring the fact that neither of them had the guts to go to the tomb also.)
Each gospel covered is similar in that it contains first an explanation of what it's about and at the end suggestions for further reading, both of which are a very intelligent way to cover the topic.
The Gospel of Thomas is next to be discussed. It came about sometime during the first century. It's a gospel of wisdom containing sayings of Jesus. Peter, being his sexist self, says that females are 'not worthy of life.' Hey, Peter. No females, no Peter. No Jesus. No no one.
The Gospel of Phillip is next. Mary walked with Jesus. Jesus loved Mary more than the other disciples. (Maybe because she bothered to actually listen to what he was saying and practice it?)
The Dialogue of the Savior (partial) is covered next. Mary is noted as saying that the troubles of each day are sufficient, workers deserve their food and disciples resemble their teacher.
Pistis Sophia is next. This can also be titled Faith Wisdom. Mary Magdalene is very important in this one. Jesus notes that her heart is set on Heaven's Kingdom more than the other disciples. Peter (yep, him again) says that Mary gets in their way and that she talks all the time.
The Manichean Psalms of Heracleides is next. Jesus tells Mary to get the disciples together.
Mary Magdalene In the Spotlight is the last portion of the book. This notes that Jesus noted that Mary 'understood every thing.' She learned things before the others did. The regular gospels started the demotion of Mary's contributions and established the 'Mary's not important since she's a woman' trend that only in relatively recent years has begun to be corrected.
A really good book.
October 27, 2011
In a world I was freed through another world, and in an image I was freed through a heavenly image.
-The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
-The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
August 7, 2020
Summary: This is a great intro book to the topic. Wow. Sexism in the Bible.
So, if you think about it, Mary was Jesus's beloved, so it is actually really weird that she doesn't a lot of airtime in Christianity except as a crying statue. I mean, given Jesus's whole deal, do you really think he married a weak, dumb woman? No way.
So this book is basically covering what is known from the texts that became available once we were able to actually translate the Coptic texts. For context, if you aren't familiar, Coptic was a lost language until we were able to make progress with translating the Rosetta Stone, which actually had a earlier form of coptic that then unlocked texts like this. (See my book list for Rosetta Stone).
Anyway, they found a partial Gospel of Mary and have started being able to translate this text. The point is if Mary had a Gospel, it meant she had followers. Then the author demonstrates clear places where the other disciples said what we would consider pretty sexist stuff or demonstrated jealousy of a sort. I mean is it sexism or is it a bro-mance interrupted by a girlfriend/wife? I don't know. I mean lots of ladies - self included - have had the whole best friend of your man drama, so it's not so crazy IMO. Peter apparently was the worst.
The importance is that Mary's Gospel - which is largely lost - has a lot more women than the three archetype figures, i.e. the virgin, a whore, or someone's mom. I mean, I'm down with this idea b/c it doesn't make sense to me that Jesus was only around dudes all day and only knew 3 types of women. If I had to give it a name, I think Mary was more like Hermione Granger.
I'm still learning, but this was eye opening. I'm sure others that are greater scholars of Christianity might know more. This ended up in a grouping of books someone felt I should read to become more knowledgable about world cultures. It was cool. Makes me want to re-read the Gospels now, given how it talks about which disciples were not totally envious of Mary vs. the ones that were. Fascinating. I mean church politics... hasn't really changed in 1000s of years, am I right?
So, if you think about it, Mary was Jesus's beloved, so it is actually really weird that she doesn't a lot of airtime in Christianity except as a crying statue. I mean, given Jesus's whole deal, do you really think he married a weak, dumb woman? No way.
So this book is basically covering what is known from the texts that became available once we were able to actually translate the Coptic texts. For context, if you aren't familiar, Coptic was a lost language until we were able to make progress with translating the Rosetta Stone, which actually had a earlier form of coptic that then unlocked texts like this. (See my book list for Rosetta Stone).
Anyway, they found a partial Gospel of Mary and have started being able to translate this text. The point is if Mary had a Gospel, it meant she had followers. Then the author demonstrates clear places where the other disciples said what we would consider pretty sexist stuff or demonstrated jealousy of a sort. I mean is it sexism or is it a bro-mance interrupted by a girlfriend/wife? I don't know. I mean lots of ladies - self included - have had the whole best friend of your man drama, so it's not so crazy IMO. Peter apparently was the worst.
The importance is that Mary's Gospel - which is largely lost - has a lot more women than the three archetype figures, i.e. the virgin, a whore, or someone's mom. I mean, I'm down with this idea b/c it doesn't make sense to me that Jesus was only around dudes all day and only knew 3 types of women. If I had to give it a name, I think Mary was more like Hermione Granger.
I'm still learning, but this was eye opening. I'm sure others that are greater scholars of Christianity might know more. This ended up in a grouping of books someone felt I should read to become more knowledgable about world cultures. It was cool. Makes me want to re-read the Gospels now, given how it talks about which disciples were not totally envious of Mary vs. the ones that were. Fascinating. I mean church politics... hasn't really changed in 1000s of years, am I right?
July 18, 2025
Truly Moving. Ever Thankful. Can’t wait to re-read.
May 27, 2008
The Secret Gospel of Mary Magdene is a novel loosely based on the life of Jesus and the apostles. The story is told from Mary’s perspective and presents many un-orthodox and feministic views about God and Biblical events. I had a hard time with some of the concepts explored, especially Mary M’s affair with Jesus outside of marriage. I took the book with a grain of salt but found it controversial.
October 30, 2022
Marvin Meyer quotes scriptures from the New Testament Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, John, and Peter and further from the texts of The Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Phillip, The Dialog of the Savior, Pistis Sophia, and The Manichaean Psalms of Heracleides that describe Mary Magdalene.
The author references foundational data from The Gospel of Mary:
“The text begins with a discussion of the nature and destiny of matter, and the savior declares that all creation will return back to the root of its nature.”
“Sin.. is getting improperly connected in the world. ..allowing the good spiritual nature to get mixed up with what is contrary to nature, and such mingling makes people become sick and die.”
Meyer closes hisbook with the inclusion of Esther A. De Boer’s essay ‘Should Wa All Turn and Listen to Her?’ positing that Mary Magdalene should be seen as a prominent disciple and worthy interpreter of Jesus’ teachings.
The author references foundational data from The Gospel of Mary:
“The text begins with a discussion of the nature and destiny of matter, and the savior declares that all creation will return back to the root of its nature.”
“Sin.. is getting improperly connected in the world. ..allowing the good spiritual nature to get mixed up with what is contrary to nature, and such mingling makes people become sick and die.”
Meyer closes hisbook with the inclusion of Esther A. De Boer’s essay ‘Should Wa All Turn and Listen to Her?’ positing that Mary Magdalene should be seen as a prominent disciple and worthy interpreter of Jesus’ teachings.
Read
April 15, 2024“Mark portrays Mary Magdalene, the other two Marys, and Salome at the end of the Gospel, contrasting them to the Twelve, to reveal what discipleship actually means. In Mark 15:40-41, it turns out that the disciples who truly understand what following Jesus means are not the specified male Twelve, who thought themselves to be the authorized followers of Jesus, but who in fact betrayed him (Judas), denied him (Peter) and ran away when he was arrested. Instead, the until then unknown and implied women followers at this point of Mark's story illustrate that discipleship has nothing to do with power, but with the utmost willingness to follow and to remain of service, even when it is dangerous to do so, which Mark emphasizes by situating the women looking on from afar."
“…Mary of Magdala, called "of the tower" because of her earnestness and ardent faith, was privileged to see the rising Christ first even before the apostles…”
“…Mary of Magdala, called "of the tower" because of her earnestness and ardent faith, was privileged to see the rising Christ first even before the apostles…”
December 26, 2023
2.5 rounded up— it’s not terrible, especially if you haven’t encountered any of the Gnostic texts that feature Mary Magdalene in any capacity before. The final essay is actually pretty decent (even if a lot of reliance on Karen King kinda sours it in the wake of the whole Gospel of Jesus’s Wife debacle). Unfortunately, I’ve spent a whole lot of time with most of these texts, so I didn’t really get much out of it, save a few things from the bibliography that will be good research material for something I’m trying to write.
Oh, and the ebook formatting is absolutely godawful. Verse numbering and endnote numbering is indistinguishable and you can’t click to the endnotes.
Oh, and the ebook formatting is absolutely godawful. Verse numbering and endnote numbering is indistinguishable and you can’t click to the endnotes.
July 25, 2020
Most of the works translated in this I've read in other volumes. This book organized them into a sort of one-stop-shop for those interested in the ancient scriptures, both orthodox and heterodox, dealing with Mary Magdalene. It wasn't really new territory for me (I've read lots of Gnostic and heterodox stuff over the years), but it's a worthwhile book with an easily read style of translation.
April 15, 2024
Not much in terms of exposition, which one can find quite refreshing in an era of the chaos of opinion.
April 18, 2024
Interesting collection of apocryphal works, some good editorial on early church misogyny stemming from Jewish tradition.
January 31, 2025
Ro. Ne oferă o noua perspectiva.
February 3, 2025
It’s interesting seeing the differences between different gospels and books in the Bible. It allows for more historical accuracy. I had to read this for a class and it was a really great read!
November 2, 2025
2.5 I didn’t really ‘get it’ as vague as that phrase is.
May 17, 2011
Whether you like this book or not might depend on whether you find its blatant attempt to cash in on the "Da Vinci Code" craze obnoxious or admirable. These are real historical scholars, and real translations from ancient texts; at the same time, the subtitle (The Secret Tradition of Mary Magdalene, the Companion of Jesus) seems to indicate that the contents will provide evidence to back up the conspiracy theories from Dan Brown's novel.
This is not the case, and the scholars don't try too hard to pretend it is once you get past the introduction, which also caters to Dan Brown fans but makes some squirming attempts to retain intellectual honesty at the same time, saying things like, "The kissing and loving of the companions or partners in the Gospel of Philip is described within the context of the spiritual and sacramental interests of the text. ... Mary and Jesus may indeed have experienced physical love with each other, or they may not" (p. xiii).
So, while I can imagine someone who believes the fictional elements of Dan Brown's novel to be historical facts reading this book simply as "scholarly" support for her beliefs--and the editors certainly do their best to accomodate such a reader--the ancient texts ARE here, in readable translations, and I can also imagine such a person using this book as a gateway from fantasy-land into a serious interest in historical Jesus scholarship. So...eh.
This is not the case, and the scholars don't try too hard to pretend it is once you get past the introduction, which also caters to Dan Brown fans but makes some squirming attempts to retain intellectual honesty at the same time, saying things like, "The kissing and loving of the companions or partners in the Gospel of Philip is described within the context of the spiritual and sacramental interests of the text. ... Mary and Jesus may indeed have experienced physical love with each other, or they may not" (p. xiii).
So, while I can imagine someone who believes the fictional elements of Dan Brown's novel to be historical facts reading this book simply as "scholarly" support for her beliefs--and the editors certainly do their best to accomodate such a reader--the ancient texts ARE here, in readable translations, and I can also imagine such a person using this book as a gateway from fantasy-land into a serious interest in historical Jesus scholarship. So...eh.
August 24, 2018
A good introduction to a frequently misunderstood field of study.
Thanks to archaeologists and serendipitous finds, we know there were a LOT of writings from the early Christian era that never made it into the canon. Mostly because, well, canon-making is problematic, reflecting the dominant standards of the time. That means that sexism obscured the importance of Mary Magdalene in the life of Christ, but it doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot of other things that have been drawn from that conclusion, either. If you'd like to look at the historical evidence and make up your own mind how far you're willing to leap, Meyer's book is not a bad place to start.
In this short study, Meyer devotes a chapter to each of the gnostic/apocryphal gospels that mentions Mary Magdalene -- either briefly or at length -- and does a brief textual analysis of those passages where she plays a part. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading, and there's an excellent, comprehensive bibliography at the end. The writing is clear, concise, and very objective: Meyers sticks firmly to what we know for sure, and makes it very clear what is fact and what is conjecture. You can't logic faith, but you can certainly clarify the grounds from which it springs, and Meyer has done that here. Recommended for medium to large religion collections, either for balance with conventional Christian texts, or to deepen a collection in communities where interest in religion/spirituality is strong.
Thanks to archaeologists and serendipitous finds, we know there were a LOT of writings from the early Christian era that never made it into the canon. Mostly because, well, canon-making is problematic, reflecting the dominant standards of the time. That means that sexism obscured the importance of Mary Magdalene in the life of Christ, but it doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot of other things that have been drawn from that conclusion, either. If you'd like to look at the historical evidence and make up your own mind how far you're willing to leap, Meyer's book is not a bad place to start.
In this short study, Meyer devotes a chapter to each of the gnostic/apocryphal gospels that mentions Mary Magdalene -- either briefly or at length -- and does a brief textual analysis of those passages where she plays a part. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading, and there's an excellent, comprehensive bibliography at the end. The writing is clear, concise, and very objective: Meyers sticks firmly to what we know for sure, and makes it very clear what is fact and what is conjecture. You can't logic faith, but you can certainly clarify the grounds from which it springs, and Meyer has done that here. Recommended for medium to large religion collections, either for balance with conventional Christian texts, or to deepen a collection in communities where interest in religion/spirituality is strong.
August 16, 2013
Compilation with commentary of references to Mary in the canonical gospels as well as gnostic writing. Some have explicitly feminist themes ("The Pistis of Sophia"), but all taken together have the effect of elevating the visibility of women among the disciples. Much of the gnostic stuff ("Thomas," "The Dialogue of the Savior," e.g.) has the feel of eastern religious texts rather than the more linear gospels. Good brief intro to the subject.
September 18, 2018
Very interesting and informative discussions of the role of Mary Magdalene
To a woman of the twenty-first century, it is truly amazing his men have dominated the teachings of Christ for so long. Women were seen as inferior to men and apparently continue to be so I'm so many Christian sects of our time. Mary Magdalene has been much belittled and treated with disdain, when she might have been Jesus' most devoted, devote, and knowledgeable disciple. Kathy R. Blackman
To a woman of the twenty-first century, it is truly amazing his men have dominated the teachings of Christ for so long. Women were seen as inferior to men and apparently continue to be so I'm so many Christian sects of our time. Mary Magdalene has been much belittled and treated with disdain, when she might have been Jesus' most devoted, devote, and knowledgeable disciple. Kathy R. Blackman
February 7, 2011
Ok, Ok, I know some of my friends are thinking why on earth would you read this..... but...... is there really anything you shouldn't read? I'm sure I've read lots of books I "shouldn't" read. Also, I don't believe in banning books. Every-once-in-a-while, I feel like I HAVE to read something I'm "not supposed to read". Plus, a friend read it and I'd love to chat with her about it.
August 16, 2009
Anyone interested in the true down to earth facts of how the women who followed Jesus were excepted and in most case not excepted should read this book with an opened mine. It really opened my eyes and heart to some of their trials.
January 26, 2014
Daring information for a Catholic with doubts. If this is true?, is this fact?, where these gospels real? After reading this book you believe it is real. For the adventurous home schooled theologians, this is a most.
February 4, 2017
While it is a good exposition of the importance of Mary Magdalene, I would have cared for further excavation of the texts that were explored and more about the role of women at the time. Has a wonderful bibliography.
May 14, 2013
was okey but not as muchimfo or proof.
December 6, 2012
*REVELATION(S)*
June 10, 2013
gives definite curiosity
October 1, 2013
Interesting...
April 12, 2015
I thought that the book was interesting. Mary Magdelene may have been Jesus's significant other or just a believer and follower. We do not truly know and that is the mystery of Mary.
May 8, 2019
Great insight into the Gospels & interpretations.
July 9, 2019
Very thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews