Mary Magdalene: A Biography - Chilton, Bruce. Doubleday (an imprint of Random House), 2005. 220p. $23.95, Hardcover. ISBN 0385513178. $17.95, E-book. ISBN 0385516975. 226’.092 Mary Magdalene, Saint. Jesus Christ—Friends and associates. Bible. N.T.—Biography. Christian saints—Biography

After more than 2,000 years, Mary Magdalene is still one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible. This book not only explains what people in history thought of Mary but also provides interpretations of ancient texts to show that she was more than just another female in the Bible. There is a possibility that she could have been one of Jesus’ disciples, although this could have been risky for Jesus.

“Women in the gospels and Christian tradition often have the look of ornaments or afterthoughts.” Chilton paints Mary Magdalene as a visionary who was one of the driving forces in the creation of Christianity, not as a victim as many Bible women are portrayed. All four of the Gospels agree that Mary had a role in Jesus’ interment and resurrection, suggesting that there is much more to Mary than is recorded there.

After reading this book, the reader will have a better picture of the true Mary Magdalene. I recommend it to congregational libraries.

Bob Osser
St. Paul’s United Church
Milton, Ontario, Canada