Mary Magdalene: Insights From Ancient Magdala (black & white version) Paperback – July 15, 2019

Having read many books on Mary Magdalene, this one offers something no other texts offer (that I have found) The author lives in Magdala in Israel and brings something fresh and alive to the conversation around "Who is Mary Magdalene?' I especially enjoyed the sections on the archeology and culture of 1st century Israel as it relates to Mary Magdalene. There is a good exploration of Mary in scripture. The author's voice is clear, easy to read and shows how deeply Ristine has contemplated and understood the subject she writes about.

An informative review of ancient texts about Mary Magdalene. Some speculation without evidence, such as attributing physical illness to evil spirits. I do appreciate reading different points of view, and this book presents several.

The booked provided insight into her life and most of all her beliefs and faithfulness to Jesus!The revelation is that we are able to related to her and her faith in Christ! Very well written and spiritually enhanced book!

I will preface this review with the disclaimer that I was a volunteer in Magdala. I was there for the month of February, 2018, where I met the author, Jennifer Ristine. Magdala is an excavated site in the Holy Land. Magdala took a hold of my heart and soul. Ever since I read the book, Saint Mary Magdalene, Prophetess of Eucharistic Love, by Fr. Sean Davidson, I have been thirsting for more information on the woman and saint, Mary Magdalene. This book takes the reader even deeper into the historical woman, the apostle, and, takes us deeper into the ancient town of Magdala, itself. There are wonderful photos of the excavated first century town and synagogue, but this book is much more. The author has done extensive research, and has given us a new perspective of Mary of Magdala. The reader is able to see the importance that certain women, especially Mary Magdalene, played at the very beginning of the New Testament. Ristine dispels the myths and untruths, but reveals, from valid sources, who this woman was and is to us today. But, it is also the story of a place where both Jewish and Christian people can come to see what life was like in the first century. As a Christian woman who is always seeking truth and knowledge, I am so glad that this book is now available for me to share. The writing is clear and concise, with great art, photos and maps. Ristine's reflections and insights are thought-provoking. I can not wait to share this book, and, return to Magdala.

I picked up the book in Magdala in late 2019 and found I couldn't put it down. This saint was with Jesus through his public ministry, at the foot of the cross, and was the first to witness the Risen Christ. Why wouldn't we want to get to know her? I had the great honor and privilege to interview the author, Jennifer Ristine, about the book and found her intimately knowledgeable about Mary Magdalen and very connected to Magdala. What a blessing to engage with this book, which is beautifully illustrated.

What a great offering Jennifer Ristine has made to our understanding and appreciation of Mary Magdalene by bringing her forth in this way. The writing is clear and concise even as the author tackles complicated issues and debates. The way she weaves the photographs throughout this comprehensive work adds to the convincing discourse. I particularly found interesting the material on art and the 21st c. insights. I liked very much the work on the following images: red-colored egg, her jaw bone, her reddish-blond hair, the skull in the paintings, myrrh-bearer, the two hour walk to Capernaum. I appreciate the integration of theological fact and Scripture with "Gospel imagination" (Ignatian).

Mary Magdalene is the book about a first century woman who has had many stories and tales written and told about her. Jennifer Ristine unlocks many mysteries from the home there in Magdala. Archaeological treasures and historical writings have carefully been researched and artfully presented. The various photographs also add a true dimension as we see the ancient artwork and the present day excavations and discoveries.Very interesting.

What an excellent book!! I learned so much about Mary Magdalene, the history of Magdala, and the personal impact her witness offers to those searching for truth in a hurting world. The book offers a great lesson in history andculture and questions and spiritual insights yet to be fully answered. I look forward to hearing Jennifer Restine speak and sharing this book with others.

Não aprecio a forma jornalística estadunidense de misturar de forma confusa a opinião do autor com dados, sem fornecer todas as citações vom precisão - ai da que existam uma série de citações. Também achei equivocada a visão sobre os textos gnósticos, pois a autora tem um vlaro viés religioso, quiça católico, e isto influencia o texto todo.