September 3rd, 2024
Forgotten Text
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene tells the story of a time where Jesus chose to teach Mary Magdalene over his own disciples. The disciples ended up becoming angry over this foritism and started challenging Mary’s views. This Gospel begs the question, “Why was it hidden in the first place?” I believe that it was hidden or “forgotten” because a woman being seen as an immportant figure especially in religious context is extremely unheard of espeically not constricting to the gender norms. Comparatively, the Virgin Mary was celebrated in the Catholic faith for being a dutiful mother to Jesus and raising him to fufill his destiny. While Mary of Magdala was called several names for speaking her mind and discussing theology with other men during a time where it was considered unconventional for women to do so. This was even shown in the Gospel, on page seventeen section ten Peter has doubts of Mary’s teachings and wonders why Jesus would rather teach a woman over his own male disciples. Which brings me to another question, why did Jesus choose Mary over the other disciples? What Mary speaks of when she does attempt to teach the disciples is openmindedness and a judgement free world. I think Jesus chose Mary over the other disciples because Jesus saw first hand through sexism specifically in this Gospel alone, that the disciples are full of judgement and they are not open to the idea of a woman knowing more or having power over them. In this time, women were seen as more nurturing and understanding than men traditionally are and I think that is why for this specific lesson, Jesus chose Mary over the other disciples.