The Bible still stands as the most famous and most published book in the world. It is still the most engaging and most thought-provoking book both in the scholarly arena and the daily conversations of people. It is also the most challenged and questioned book by both religious and irreligious people. Throughout history, the Bible has proven to be the most studied and yet scrutinized book in the world. The story of Mary Magdalene proves it.
There are various reasons why the Bible is the most scrutinized, challenged and even assaulted book in the world. For others, the reason is the seemingly inconsistencies found in the book. Scholars and skeptics have presented inconsistencies in the BIble and have used these to discredit the authenticity and inerrancy of the Word of God. However, with the help of modern science, instead of disproving the Bible, the recent findings in archaeology have testified to the accuracy and legitimacy of the sacred texts which adds to its authoritative power in the modern world.
But one of the greatest controversies surrounding the Bible aside from the resurrection of Jesus, is the woman named “Mary Magdalene”. It became so controversial that it led to a production of a famous movie entitled “The Da Vinci Code”. Its release triggered religious people all over the world to motion against it and even discourage its screening in the cinemas. Even Christians have been shaken with what the movie has claimed to be true. But what are the facts surrounding Mary Magdalene?
The Fiction
The Bible is a collection of 66 books and has different kinds of literature but none of them are fictional. Some biblical narratives have figures of speech and contain prophetic accounts but it is not considered as fiction. Sadly, many conspiracy theorists have twisted and magnified the stories from the Bible without any scholarly or scientific basis. One of the major claims of conspiracy theorists is that Mary Magdalene’s husband was Jesus Christ.
One of the major sources of the conspiracy about Mary Magdalene is the discovery of the Gospel of Mary. While it was not clear that Mary Magdalene had written this piece of document, theorists have attributed this to her. In Cairo, Egypt, in 1896, the Akhmim Codex included the Gospel of Mary. It was not made public until 1955, when the Nag Hammadi library’s popularity caused it to be publicized. The Gospel of Mary codex was written in Greek and Coptic, and it dates to the third and fifth centuries AD, respectively. As early as the third century AD, the Gospel of Mary is cited in the works of several of the early church fathers.
However, neither Mary Magdalene nor any other Mary in the Bible wrote the Gospel of Mary. The Gospel of Mary contains Gnostic ideas that, at the earliest, date to the second half of the second century AD. Because of this, its teachings are invalid. The Gospel of Mary is a Gnostic fake that uses the name of a biblical figure in an effort to validate heretical ideas, much like the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Judas.
Sadly, it was from this literature that the conspiracy about the marriage of Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ was hinged upon. By depicting the Christian church as hiding Jesus’ relationship with Mary Magdalene and denying His assignment of Mary as the head of the church, the book and film Da Vinci Code elevate this conspiracy theory to greater levels. Interestingly, the issue with this conspiracy idea is that not even the Gospel of Mary contains any supporting evidence. There is no mention of Jesus designating Mary as the head of the Christian church in the Gospel of Mary. There is no mention of Jesus and Mary having a love relationship in the Gospel of Mary.
Lineage Between Jesus and Mary Magdalene
Despite the clear lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the writings of the Gospel of Mary, conspiracy theorists still managed to propagate a make-believe story about it. They even created terms and an imaginary lineage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Through His mother, Mary, Jesus’ blood relations are referred to be Desposyni. Until the 4th century, when references to the Desposyni seem to have vanished, they are thought to have played a significant role in the Church’s leadership during its formative years. Many blame the harsh persecution of Jewish Christians, especially Desposyni. Some people hold the view that Jesus Christ wed Mary Magdalene and fathered what are known as Desposyni, or offspring, with her. This became the breeding ground of the conspiracy that challenged the faith of Christians all over the world. This dynasty is thought to still be in power now and has had a significant impact on religious and global leadership. The Rex Deus, who have purportedly guarded the “real” secrets of Judaism and Christianity for the last few thousand years, are said to have preserved their bloodline.
A more scholarly look at the Bible will reveal the absolute and undeniable fact that Mary Magdalene was not Jesus’ wife. Even implying it using scriptural text is impossible. Every assertion that Mary Magdalene and Jesus had an intimate sexual relationship is refuted by every mention of her in the Bible.
The Facts
The question now is: Who is the biblical Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is also frequently linked to the lady who was taken in adultery and whom Jesus spared from being stoned (John 8:1-11). Yet again, there is no proof for this association. This link was created in the motion picture “The Passion of the Christ.” Although this viewpoint is conceivable, it is improbable, and the Bible does not teach it.
Mary Magdalene saw the majority of the activities leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. She witnessed Jesus being assaulted and humiliated by the crowd while watching the sham trial, where Pontius Pilate had sentenced Jesus to death. Mary was one of the ladies who stood by Jesus as He was being crucified in an effort to console Him. She was sent by Jesus to inform the others and was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection. She is only mentioned once again in the Bible, although it seems likely that she was among the ladies who gathered with the apostles to await the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
The Faith Factor
The better and more important question to ask in light of the facts about Mary Magdalene is this: How does this affect my faith?
The true story of Mary Magdalene is an inspiration to all genuine Christians who have failed God many times. Her story is a reminder that Jesus is willing to forgive, change and use someone who has been deemed as part of the lowest class of society. When the snares of legalism attempt to cripple the saints in their faith journey, Mary Magdalene is an outstanding reminder that salvation and sanctification is by grace through faith in Jesus alone.
Another aspect in Mary’s story that believers can glean on is her presence in the most important times in the life of Jesus. It reminds believers that one of the characteristics of genuine faith is to inspire them to show up in the most difficult times. Mary Magdalene chose to show up even though it was seemingly impossible. This, and other godly characteristics, is what made Mary Magdalene stand out as one of the most important women in the Bible.
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