The Gospel of Mary, the only known Gospel that is named after a woman, has aroused new interest in the figure of Mary Magdalene and the beginnings of Christianity. What were her impact and her message? What became of her and her ideas? This book examines the Gospel of Mary to discover what it reveals about Mary Magdalene and to determine the origin of its portrayal. It proposes a new perspective on matter and nature in the Gospel of Mary, suggesting that it is not to be categorized as a Gnostic writing. Furthermore, the study argues that Mary's teaching in the Gospel of Mary is more closely related to the writings of Philo, the letters of Paul and the Gospel of John than to the Nag Hammadi Codices. As such, the Gospel of Mary and its portrayal of Mary Magdalene cannot be seen as evidence of a specific Gnostic esteem for Mary Magdalene, but rather demonstrates the esteem of believers belonging to a broader Christian context. In order to determine this context, the study identifies the different portrayals of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, analyses their concepts of discipleship and their views on women, and investigates its historical 'reality'. Esther de Boer concludes that t

"In amongst the plethora of pseudo-scholarly books concerning ecclesiastical conspiracy theories in the wake of The Da Vinci Code, this short book on the Gospel of Mary is a welcome and illuminating alternative."   ANVIL 23.4 2006 - ANVIL

"There is much to recommend this book...de Boer provides valuable new insights and is unafraid of tackling well-established presuppositions. De Boer's study is highly recommended and should be made available in college and university libraries for students and scholars." -Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2005 - Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"...this study is rich in detail and will repay careful consideration by all working in these broad areas of interest. The book is certainly a highly significant addition to the growing literature on the Gospel of Mary and the figure of Mary Magdalene in early Christianity."  - The Expository Times, January 2006 - Expository Times

"offers a fresh approach that is both interesting and, in many cases, convincing." - Journal of Religion