And so it begins. A thread: https://twitter.com/oreoatlaw/status/1248804190551511040

Whenever Mary Magdalene is referenced, I always want to scream: “oh, you know her? Name five of her songs?”

Magdalene is most known for her appearance in the the New Testament of the Bible. She witnessed the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. She was the FIRST to find the empty tomb (alone or with other women, depending on your version) AND attest that Jesus had risen.

Magdalene is also present in the apocryphal texts—texts outside of the 39 canonical books considered by Protestant Christianity as “authoritative and inspired Scripture”—such as the Gospels of Mary, Philip, Thomas, and other texts.

Though she is a prominent apostle and saint in Catholicism, her story is defined by her history with “seven demons,”—which resulted in an exorcism— an alleged tension with Simon Peter, a disciple, and two specific texts:

Magdalene is assumed to be Mary of Bethany, a “sinful woman” listed in Luke 7, 8, and 10 who washed and kissed the feet of Jesus, potentially in an act of repentance.

She is also associated with John 8:3-4:

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.”

Though the connection between Mary Magdalene and “sinful woman” Mary of Bethany was disavowed by Pope Paul VI in 1969, Western art and literature continue to amplify these allegations.

Magdalene has been viewed as the wife of Jesus and a common whore. Her common depiction—seated beside the cross, hair unkempt—is often alluding to her chaotic, sinful past.

In the 18th Century, the term “Magdalenes” was used to represent prostitutes seeking rehabilitation in institutions. I’m literally watching a show RIGHT NOW that is alluding to Mary Magdalene as a woman “working the streets” with a history of “many beds and many men.”

It would be easy to make the argument that prostitute or not, Magdalene’s worth should not be defined by her sexual history.

But this isn’t just about feminism, it’s reminding people that current rhetoric surrounding Mary Magdalene is basic character assassination.

Magdalene’s history has always been at the will of male assumptions and interpretations.

Though the gospels are not specific about Magdalene’s personal life, she is clearly described as a disciple and early leader in the Christian Church. Why do we doubt this?

This thread is probably too long and you’re all tired of me.

Just promise me that this Easter, you’ll give Mary Magdalene the same respect as you would any other apostle or disciple.

And also no, I’m not arguing about this issue! Just read my musings and go!