What is the "Gospel of Mary" about? Where was it found and how old is it?
The Gospel of Mary is a non-canonical text that offers a different perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is believed to have been written in the 2nd century CE and was discovered in the late 19th century in Egypt. This text is named after Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' followers who is believed to have played a significant role in the early Christian movement.
The Gospel of Mary is a Gnostic text, which means that it presents a different understanding of the nature of God, the universe, and the human soul. It portrays Mary Magdalene as a prominent disciple who has a special relationship with Jesus. The text recounts a conversation between Mary and the other disciples after Jesus' death and resurrection, in which Mary shares a vision she had of Jesus and his teachings.
The text offers insights into early Christian beliefs and practices, including the concept of gnosis, which refers to spiritual knowledge or understanding. In the Gospel of Mary, Jesus is portrayed as a teacher who shares secret knowledge with his disciples, including Mary Magdalene. The text also touches on themes such as the nature of the soul, the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, and the role of women in the early Christian movement.
The Gospel of Mary was discovered in 1896 by a German scholar named Carl Reinhardt, who found it among a collection of papyri in Egypt. The text is believed to have been written in the 2nd century CE, although some scholars have suggested that it may have been written later. The text was originally written in Greek, although the surviving fragments are in Coptic.
The discovery of the Gospel of Mary has shed light on the diversity of early Christian beliefs and practices. While the text is not considered part of the biblical canon, it offers an intriguing glimpse into the beliefs of some early Christian communities. Its portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a prominent disciple has also challenged traditional views of women's roles in the early Christian movement.