The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity by Cynthia Bourgeault
- Tanya Torres
- May 10
- 1 min read
Updated: May 12

I have been rereading small parts of The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity by Cynthia Bourgeault, but this book is not for reading in small parts.
When I read it for the first time, I found it fascinating. It’s a book full of research and spiritual insight.
I read it when I was around 37 years old and I had time and a rested mind full of curiosity. I devoured it, and remember learning so many things. It was extremely satisfying. It made me read many of the author’s books after that.
The book goes into very profound research and thought, connecting concepts that helps us learn about Mary Magdalene in the context of understanding Jesus’ teachings and trajectory. On the way, we learn about the work of many spiritual thinkers and scholars.
As we progress in the book, the author explains in depth such concepts, for example, as the meaning of kissing on the mouth for people of Mary Magdalene’s and Jesus’ time. The author explains so many interesting ideas about the time, philosophy and culture of the time of Jesus that anyone who truly wants to learn about Mary Magdalene should make the time to read this book.

I have been adding short book reviews (a work in progress):
Comments