I recently read “The Gospel of Mary of Magdala,” by Karen King, which casts Mary of Magdala in a very positive light. She was not a prostitute, by the way!
Several copies of this gospel have been found in different places in ancient lands over the centuries, lending credibility to its authenticity. Much of the text is unreadable, but from what is, some awesome theological teachings are revealed, and they are so awesome to me because they verify what Mary Baker Eddy wrote in her explanations of Christian Science.
For instance, we read in Mary’s gospel this discussion between a follower and Jesus,
“…Will matter then be utterly destroyed or not?”
“The Savior replied, ‘Every nature, every modeled form, every creature, exists in and with each other. They will dissolve again into their own proper root. For the nature of matter is dissolved into what belongs to its nature. Anyone with two ears able to hear should listen!'”
The “proper root” is the spiritual original. All so-called material things will dissolve and in their place, the original spiritual idea will be revealed.
And then on the topic of sin…
“Then Peter said to him, ‘You have been explaining every topic to us; tell us one other thing. What is the sin of the world?’
“The Savior replied, ‘There is no such thing as sin; rather you yourselves are what produces sin when you act in accordance with the nature of adultery, which is called ‘sin.’ For this reason, the Good came among you, pursuing (the good) which belongs to every nature. It will set it within its root.”
There is no such thing as sin! Hmmm…much to think on here. Mary Baker Eddy taught the same. Jesus knew what he was talking about, and proved it. It has to be demonstrated, not just mouthed, but nonetheless, it is a fundamental fact of being.
And following the above…
“Then he continued. He said, ‘This is why you get sick and die: because you love what deceives you.'”
I found these words quite illuminating. Maybe you will too…
Happy day,
Oh, yes. I found the book a couple of years ago, and I was fascinated with the crossover between the perspectives on Jesus’ actions and views which were apparently offered by the ancient Mary and the ones propounded by Mary Baker Eddy! It’s definitely a very thought-provoking and illuminating read :).
Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. Really appreciate it.
Very cool! Thank you for talking about the Gospel of Mary. There is so much extra-biblical literature discovered in the 20th century that is worth reading.
This is so interesting and “There is no sin,” reminds me of the scene in the Matrix that got me thinking about CS which is “there is no spoon.” And at first it seems like such an outlandish suggestion, of course, there is a spoon, but once you understand that is in an invention of the matrix (mortal mind), you can overcome its limitations and wield it. Thanks for this.
No wonder Mary of Magdala was labeled as she was. She had the insight and fortitude to tell the truth. Mary Baker Eddy did too. Not a recipe for popularity.
Oh yes, the Big Subject, “sin.”
We learn in Christian Science about the absolute facts of being versus the relative. God knows no sin, therefore man cannot know it, as man is God’s image, reflection. Sin is the belief in a power apart from God. God surely does not and cannot know a power other than Himself. So, absolutely speaking, there is no sin.
But, we soon learn that, relatively speaking, we all have a ways to go in understanding and demonstrating the divine, absolute facts of true being. And we do this, as Mrs. Eddy (and the Bible) teaches, step by step, “here a little, there a little,”
“and the sooner we begin the better.” !
I so appreciate your daily blogs, Evan, and this one about the book you read is helpful. I am currently reading Walking The Bible, by Bruce Keeler (2001).
It is excellent writing, and fine narration; (I use audiobooks). Highly praised by the NY and LA Times.
Claim your JOY today, everyone! It’s God-given!
:<))
I agree with Ruth. There are some quite profound similarities between the ideas of Mary Baker Eddy and Mary Magdala. I’ve been meaning to write about it for years but have gotten side tracked. Somewhere Mary Magdala talks about turning away from the problem, turning towards the realm of the Real, or the Good. Sound familiar? Very Platonic.