Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-178)

No figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. As the first witness to the Resurrection, Mary was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christanity. In most, theological studies she has been depicted as a reformed prostitite, the redeemed sinner who exemplifies Christ's mercy. Today's reader can ponder her role through references in the four canonical gospels and in the Gnostic gospels of Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Bartholomew rejected by the early Christian church. Mary's own gospel is among these Gnostic texts but until now has remained unknown to the public at large.