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Revision with unchanged content. Mary of Magdala has forever been a fascinating and controversial figure in the field of religious studies. Just who this enigmatic woman may have been is a question that will continue to plague the imagination of both believer and scholar alike. In this study, the question of her identity is addressed as one of tradition and text. The historical Mary does, however, find a place here--she is presented as a persistent Christian belief in her veracity, and as the foundation for both the textual and traditional (medieval) Mary. As such, the textual, the historical, and the medieval will be examined as these comprise the materials out of which Mary s cumulative character was made. Ultimately, this study will examine the many layers of Mary s character in hopes that the perceived contradictions existing between the historical, the textual, and the traditional will diminish, thus giving equal consideration to all. Aimed at professional scholars of Christian history, this book provides a helpful analysis of the role of Mary of Magdala from the first years of Christianity thru the Middle Ages. It is also a useful tool for the student of religion or even the informal researcher.

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Master of Religious Studies atGeorgia State University.

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