Italian philosopher and researcher Carla Ricci addresses an overlooked but significant presence in the Gospels--that of the women who followed Jesus. Citing Luke 8:1-3, Ricci describes a group of women who unswervingly followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, through his passion and death, to become messengers of the resurrection.

Italian philosopher and researcher Carla Ricci addresses an overlooked but significant presence in the Gospels--that of the women who followed Jesus. Citing Luke 8:1-3, Ricci describes a group of women who unswervingly followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, through his passion and death, to become messengers of the resurrection.

Famously described as the 'Apostle to the Apostles', after her discovery of Jesus' resurrection, Mary has sparked curiosity, controversy and veneration since her name first appeared in the Gospel of Mark. But who was Mary Magdalene? Was she a prostitute, a goddess, a feminist icon, a church leader or all of these things? Using testaments, letters and narrative Margaret George brings to life one of the most mysterious and controversial characters in the bible, creating an epic that is both immediate and moving. 'Margaret George proves herself to be the very best when it comes to historical fiction. Her new novel is a gripping and moving story' Barbara Taylor Bradford

Acting as a historical detective, the author of this text strips away the layers of deception and propaganda that surround the Christian story in a quest to find the real Mary Magdalene, asking such questions as was she a reformed prostitute who spent the rest of her life in penitence; or was she merely one of the women who followed Jesus?

After 2,000 years of flawed history, here at last is a magnificent new biography of Mary Magdalene that draws her out of the shadows of history and restores her to her rightful place of importance in Christianity. Throughout history, Mary Magdalene has been both revered and reviled, a woman who has taken on many forms—witch, whore, the incarnation of the eternal feminine, the devoted companion (and perhaps even the wife) of Jesus. In this brilliant new biography, Bruce Chilton, a renowned biblical scholar, offers the first complete and authoritative portrait of this fascinating woman. Through groundbreaking interpretations of ancient texts, Chilton shows that Mary played a central role in Jesus’ ministry and was a seminal figure in the creation of Christianity. Chilton traces the evolving images of Mary Magdalene and the legends surrounding her. He explains why, despite her prominence, the Gospels actually say so little about her and why the Catholic Church for thousands of years has sought to marginalize her importance. In a probing look at the Church’s attitudes toward women, he investigates Christian misogyny in the ancient world, including the suppression of women priests who patterned their activities on Mary’s; explores the impact of Gnostic ambivalence toward women on its depictions of Mary; and shows that these traditions still influence modern portrayals of her. Chilton’s descriptions of who Mary Magdalene was and what she did challenge the male-dominated history of Christianity familiar to most readers. Placing Mary within the traditions of Jewish female savants, Chilton presents a visionary figure who was fully immersed in the mystical teachings that shaped Jesus’ own teachings and a woman who was a religious master in her own right.

Experience Mary Magdalene as a rising teacher in today's spiritual arena. Through 25 insightful messages, Mary focuses on issues that often aren't addressed by spiritual leaders -- uniting the Feminine and Masculine, healing body shame, the sacredness of sexuality, and emotional mastery -- explaining how these are essential for living in the heart. Mary's universal teaching, paired with the author's clarifying commentary, makes this award-winning book a treasure-trove of Feminine guidance and spiritual truths. Mary describes her partnership with Yeshua (Jesus) as loving equals, including being co-teachers for their shared work. Mary's role was to bring the Feminine aspect of their teaching, which they knew the world wouldn't be ready to receive for 2000 years. In sharing her long-hidden teaching, Mary shows us what it is to be a powerful, spiritual woman in complete union with her beloved male partner (Yeshua) and the Divine Masculine. MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS was birthed over a one month period, when Mary Magdalene came daily to author Mercedes Kirkel with her extraordinary messages. Kirkel soon realized Mary was downloading a book, chapter by chapter, with Mary and Yeshua as the inspiring models. Whether you're new to Mary Magdalene's path or a longtime admirer of hers, MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS is a gift to your soul. WINNER: Spirituality Book of the Year, Books and Authors Award for Literary Excellence WINNER: New Age Book, New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards WINNER: Body Mind Spirit Book, Southwest Book Design Award HONORABLE MENTION, Religion/Philosophy Book, Readers Favorite Award Contest FINALIST, Spirituality Book, National Indie Excellence Awards "MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS offers helpful insights for creating balance and harmony between the Masculine and Feminine within all of us." --John Gray, author of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" "One of the most profound books of our day." --Flo Aeveia Magdalena, author of "I Remember Union" "If you want to hear the real voice of Mary Magdalene, buy this book." --Stuart Wilson and Joanna Prentis, authors of "Power of the Magdalene" and "The Magdalene Version" "An uplifting guide to finding our hope and redemption throughout our lives, MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS has a strong and positive message, highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review "An incredible gift to help those who are going through difficult times. . . . A great deal of insight into spiritual beliefs." --Seattle Post-Intelligencer Book Review "An outstanding spiritual, self-help book. . . . Reading the book, ] I felt love and surrender, forgiveness, and an acceptance of myself such as I have never experienced. A must-read for everybody." --Readers' Favorite Book Review

Recent discoveries of sacred texts such as the Gospel of Mary of Magdala and the Gospel of Thomas tell us that Mary Magdalene was independent, insightful, and courageousa woman so inspirational that her voice can still be heard across the ages. In Invoking Mary Magdalene, religious scholar Siobhn Houston invites you to develop your own personal relationship with one of Jesus' closest disciples, as she instructs you in a daily devotional practice of prayers, meditations, and visualizations from around the world.