So was it a high-brow pulp fiction or an oracle with a clarion revelation that Jesus was married? There was always speculation that Mary Magdalene and Jesus had a special relationship but Christianity, right down to its Jewish roots, always had a problem with women. Even in the creation story at the beginning of Genesis, it was a woman that brought on the fall of man. In Jewish folklore Eve was Adam's second "wife". Adam's first wife was Lilith and she was a particularly bad character that God had to expelled from Eden.
None of this is really important to me but it's fascinating because these stories are the foundation stones of Western Culture. The themes they generate constantly come up in art -as well as a whole bunch of places you would never think of. Even in a secular country any argument over things like social welfare, crime and punishment, family life, or birth control can be filled with all kinds of Biblical references and subtexts.
Mary Magdalene is often portrayed as a prostitute though there's not single word in the Bible that even hints at that. The name Magdalene means magnificent or exalted and some feminist theologians point out that she is the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection and proclaim the good news (that's what Gospel means "the good news") that Jesus has risen.
The image of the fallen woman still lingers. One aspect that I find ironic is that Lloyd Webber's song from Jesus Christ Super Star -I Don't Know How To Love Him , is frequently requested at wedding receptions. It make me wonder if anyone really listens to the lyrics.
Here is the papyrus scribe that was recently found. It doesn't look like much.
This new discovery might be the beginning of a new line of Christian mythology. In some circles mythology is a dirty word. To me life seems to be a mystery with a few good guidelines and not too many answers. I'm comfortable with that but I recognize most folks are not. The idea of a holy text with immutable and indisputable truths is a necessity for people who can't live without concrete answers. Some minds are anchored in a solid foundation, others float on the water - overall neither one is superior.
There does seem to be a real human need to have the divine come to Earth and share in the experience of being mortal faulted creatures -only to show us how to be our better selves.
On another note, last night I took one of my sons to the local artist guild meeting. Every community could benefit from an artist guild. Not only do artists get to meet and compare notes but it's a whole lot better that staying at home and watching TV or youtube.
If you don't have anything like an artist guild near you, start one. The act of creation is a divine act.
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