

The Weird and Wonderful "Gospel of Mary"
6 snips Sep 16, 2024
In this discussion, guest Sarah Parkhouse, a religious historian specializing in early Christianity, dives into the fascinating "Gospel of Mary," written in the 2nd Century CE. She explores its Gnostic themes and the diverse interpretations that marked early Christian thought. Uncovering its intriguing origins and the significance of its missing sections, Sarah highlights how this text reshapes our understanding of Mary Magdalene’s role. The conversation also touches on dialogue gospels and their contributions to theological discourse in ancient Mediterranean societies.
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Discovery and Publication of the Gospel of Mary
- The Gospel of Mary exists in fragmentary form, discovered in 1896 in Egypt.
- Its publication was delayed for decades due to a burst water pipe, two World Wars, and the discovery of the Nag Hammadi Codices.
Fragmentary Nature of the Text
- Only about half of the Gospel of Mary text is available.
- The missing sections include the beginning and crucial parts of Mary's vision and teachings.
Dating the Gospel of Mary
- The Gospel of Mary was likely written in the second century CE.
- This is based on its use of the Gospel of John and the dating of Greek fragments.