The publication of Dan Brown's controversial and best selling novel, The Da Vinci Code, brought to life a spirited debate concerning Mary of Magdalene's true role in the life of Jesus. So who was the real Mary of Magdala--a devoted disciple of Christ, a penitent, or a prostitute? Mary of Magdala: WHAT THE DA VINCI CODE MISSES, now revised with a new introduction, is a fascinating examination of the actual written accounts referring to Mary. The result is a portrait of the various images of Mary that have emerged in different guises over the centuries. This landmark book points out the many distortions and inaccuracies that have resulted in a false portrait of Mary of Magdala as a prostitute. Thompson examines the gospel texts that deal with Mary, as well as the apocryphal gospels and the historical development of devotions to her. What she reveals is a totally different portrait of a woman who dared to be present at the crucifixion of Jesus and at his burial--a compassionate women who was the first to understand something of the resurrection. In this revised edition, Mary Thompson also examines the issues raised in The Da Vinci Code and explores the fallacies that underlie them. MARY OF MAGDALA: WHAT THE DA VINCI CODE MISSES, presents clear and compelling evidence that Mary of Magdala indeed played an important role in the early church as disciple, leader, and apostle. +
