Mary Magdalene Understood

Jane Schaberg is Professor of Religious Studies and Women's Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy. She is the author of The Illegitimacy of Jesus, and an editor of On the Cutting Edge: The Study of Women in the Biblical World. As an acknowledged expert on Mary Magdalene, she has appeared in the Washington Times, on CNN and in Newsweek. Melanie Johnson-Debaufre is Assistant Professor of Religion at Luther College.

• Introduction - A Feminist Reconstruction of the Historical Mary Magdalene; 1. A Dig of One's Own; 2. Thinking Back through the Magdalene; 3. The Woman Who Understood (Too) Completely; 4. The Women Did Not Flee; 5. Mary Magdalene as Successor to Jesus; Conclusion: The Implications for Contemporary Women; Epilogue: New Reflections on The Da Vinci Code.

"Schaberg combines biblical scholarship, imagination, and feminist advocacy into a major work of methodological originality that reveals persuasive themes. Schaberg's book breaks new ground and is recommended for all libraries; required for seminary and feminist collections." Carolyn M. Croft, Library Journal, June 15, 2002 "Among the plethora of recent books on Mary, Schaberg's stands out for its careful research, its literary artistry and its reflections on the meaning of it all...She is undaunted by the paucity of solid historical information, turning over every pebble of evidence about Mary Magdalene and examining it meticulously under her critical lenses. Schaberg is also a poet, which is evident in every lovely turn of phrase and precise expression" Karen L. King, The Women's Review of Books, March 2003 "Schaberg combines biblical scholarship, imagination, and feminist advocacy into a major work of methodological originality that reveals persuasive themes. Schaberg's book breaks new ground and is recommended for all libraries; required for seminary and feminist collections." Library Journal "Readers interested in a book bursting with information about Mary Magdalene will find Jane Schaberg's book a must-read. This powerfully packed volume offers a feast for those interested in a wide range of subjects on this significant early Christian figure. I find what she has offered us to be an enriching and satisfying banquet from which readers will not go away hungry." Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Fall 2005"