Questions for mystical Christianity Lesson 9

Questions For the Heart and Mind

1. Given what we know of the historical Mary Magdalene, what role do you think she played in the ministry of Jesus?

I'd like to see she was a disciple, perhaps a teacher alongside Jesus.  If she knew more than what was believed (as shown in other texts) she must have gone on to teach , not just the male disciples.

2. What validity do you give historical material that is based on oral and/or cultural tradition?

Oral and cultural traditions can change from person to person, and history can have a skewed view.  We know women were not seen in a good view back then, and..the Romans who put Bible together could have changed the story.  However, they didn't have tape recorders, but i would think popular stories for history could have been kept as something needed to be known and understood to be correct. 

3. Do you believe in continuing revelation, and if you do, what standards do you use for discerning what is true?

It seems the more new text is found, the more it can influence our views.  as a child I always felt the teachings the lutheran church were teaching me were true, but i felt there was  something more to it. I looked into other religions, even Pagan ideas...and found I liked the Divine Feminine to be placed in same spot as masculine.  I loved seeing the Catholics liking Mother Mary....something we were never shown.  But somehow I see The Magdalene having a place in this as well.

4. What is your opinion regarding the conflation controversy? Do you believe that Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene are the same woman?

Somehow the history on those stories conflict who she is...and yes, i do think it is her.  Time didn't keep up with a story on a woman....even very little is in Bible on Mother Mary.  But the outside books show more.