Mary Magdalene: Fact, Fiction, & Mystery

Podcast-style audio course -
Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
Brown University
(11 customer reviews)
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Includes Free Study Guide
Audio Download + Subscription
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Audio Sample:

Who was Mary Magdalene?

Other than the Virgin Mary, no woman has so captivated our attention as Mary from Magdala. From her portrayal as a prostitute to speculation that she was Jesus’ wife in popular fiction like The Da Vinci Code, images of Mary have abounded for centuries. These portrayals, however, often have very little basis in truth.

Join one of America’s leading New Testament scholars in encountering the real Mary Magdalene. Under the guidance of Fr. Raymond F. Collins, you will explore Mary Magdalene in the Gospels, Gnosticism, and popular culture. As you do so, you will gain a powerful portrait of this Galilean follower of Jesus.

You will begin by looking at the popular myth of Mary Magdalene as a sinful woman who repented and became a disciple of Jesus. Then, you will look at Mary Magdalene’s appearances in the synoptic Gospels—as a patron of Jesus as well as the witness to his death, burial, and resurrection. Then, you will look at the Gospel of John, which details the commission that Jesus entrust

Who was Mary Magdalene?

Other than the Virgin Mary, no woman has so captivated our attention as Mary from Magdala. From her portrayal as a prostitute to speculation that she was Jesus’ wife in popular fiction like The Da Vinci Code, images of Mary have abounded for centuries. These portrayals, however, often have very little basis in truth.

Join one of America’s leading New Testament scholars in encountering the real Mary Magdalene. Under the guidance of Fr. Raymond F. Collins, you will explore Mary Magdalene in the Gospels, Gnosticism, and popular culture. As you do so, you will gain a powerful portrait of this Galilean follower of Jesus.

You will begin by looking at the popular myth of Mary Magdalene as a sinful woman who repented and became a disciple of Jesus. Then, you will look at Mary Magdalene’s appearances in the synoptic Gospels—as a patron of Jesus as well as the witness to his death, burial, and resurrection. Then, you will look at the Gospel of John, which details the commission that Jesus entrusted to Mary.

Finally, you will look at the portrayals of Mary Magdalene in noncanonical manuscripts, the recent discoveries of which have given rise to revisionist portraits of Mary Magdalene. You will see then how the Mary Magdalene of fiction differs from the Mary Magdalene of faith.

Discover this essential biblical figure today.

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11 reviews for Mary Magdalene: Fact, Fiction, & Mystery

  1. Kathleen

    Fr. Collins is an excellent presenter and speaker.

    Fr. Collins is an excellent presenter and speaker. He has given a much needed update on Mary Magdalene that many already know. However, I continue to hear from laity and clergy alike the role assigned to her by Pope Gregory I. Of course, I give my little input in these instances.

  2. Richard

    It allows you to Meet the ‘Real’ Mary Magdalene

    As the title suggests, it allows you to Meet the ‘Real’ Mary Magdalene, not someone who has endured a too-long reputation of someone who she “was not.”

  3. Rev. Anne

    Father Collins is a brilliant teacher and spiritual leader.

    There is so much interest in Mary Magdalene. It is good to reflect on the Biblical and historical facts and hear about ancient and modern scholarship and misunderstandings. Father Collins is a brilliant teacher and spiritual leader.

  4. Kathleen

    Very refreshing.

    Fr. Raymond F. Collins is a very lucid presenter and covers this topic with expertise as he introduces us to the “Real Mary Magdalene.” Mary has been so misunderstood for many centuries – Fr. Collins brings conveys the woman she really is- this is very refreshing.

  5. Kathleen

    a delight to hear her true story

    Mary Magdalene has been misunderstood and down rated for so long that it is a delight to hear her true story and contributions to Christianity.

  6. Joan

    Promotes the truth about Mary Magdalene

    Promotes the truth about Mary Magdalene and teaches us how much Jesus valued women and their role in the Church.

  7. Larry

    A deeper understanding

    Scholarly facts are presented that help debunk common myths and give us a deeper understanding of people in the Bible.

  8. Kathleen

    Unique way of presenting

    Mary of Magdala has such a misunderstood and storied history. Fr. Raymond Collins has a unique way of presenting the Real Mary Magdalene. Thanks!

  9. Diane S., MA

    Winter Survey: January 2017

    The program guide is very clear, and the presentation has many details of the subject. The speaker (Fr. Collins) has a clear diction, and keeps my interest with realistic analogies to illustrate his points.

  10. Joan M., FL

    Summer Survey: July 2017

    Factual information about the real Mary Magdalene, a woman possessed by demons, driven out by Jesus, who then became his disciple. Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute, as is incorrectly reported about her.

  11. Carol R., TN

    Summer Survey: July 2017

    Many myths were exposed, explained and corrected.

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