Book Reviews of Mariam, the Magdalen, and the Mother

Mariam, the Magdalen, and the Mother (Indiana U Press, 2005)

John Westerhoff comments on the book:- Professor Good who became my friend while I was visiting professor of Christian ethics and moral theology at the General Theological Seminary has edited and contributed to an absolutely fascinating collection of essays by Jewish, Christian and Muslim scholars that breaks new ground in Biblical studies. 2. While there has been a long time understanding that Mary Magdalene, Luke's sinner and Mary of Bethany are not the same person and there have been numerous fine revisionist investigations of Mary Magdalene, this original work supports the contention that there was in the early church a corporate identity and prophetic vision of Miriam, the Magdalene, and the mother in the tradition of all the Abrahamic faiths 3. Although I am not a Biblical scholar, I had no difficulty reading or understanding the content of this imaginative book. Clergy and laity with some theological background will find that it will provide them with important insights and help to keep them up with current research in Biblical studies.

Mariam, The Magdalen, and The Mother Deirdre Good, editor Indiana University Press 601 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-3797 http://iupress.indiana.edu 0253217512 $22.95 1-800-842-6796 Compiled and deftly edited by Deirdre Good (Professor of New Testament, General Theological Seminary, New York City), Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother is a compilation of erudite essays by knowledgeable Jewish, Christian and Muslim scholars on the biblical figure of Mary Magdalene as present aspects of her composite identity drawn from Jewish, Gnostic, early Christian, and Manichean traditions. This impressively diverse collection of viewpoints also covers Islamic and patristic traditions about Jesus' mother Mary. Taken as a whole, Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother presents a fascinating, scholarly, yet completely accessible exploration of the Miriamic roots of Mary Magdalen's composite identity and prophetic vision that played an important and controversial role during the first five centuries of the Christian movement. Also available in a hardcover edition (02533-45332, $50.00) Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother is a strongly recommended addition to personal and academic Christian Studies and Religious Studies library reference collections and supplemental reading lists. MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW Nov, 2005

Reviews of Mariam by Prof Mark Kiley, Prof. Katherine Kurs, and Kris Lewis posted June 11 and June 13 on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0253217512/qid=1118764774/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-7603728-5723206

Feedback, submissions, ideas? Email good@gts.edu