The Mary We Forgot

What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today

Friend of the Crackers and Grape Juice, Jennifer Powell McNutt, joined us recently to talk about her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today.

Jennifer Powell McNutt (PhD, The University of St. Andrews) is the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. She is an award-winning author, a fellow in the Royal Historical Society, and an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian tradition. McNutt serves as a parish associate at her church and regularly speaks at universities, seminaries, and churches across the country. She and her husband cofounded McNuttshell Ministries, which serves as a bridge between the academy and the church, and live with their three children in Winfield, Illinois.

About the book:
Mary Magdalene’s life was transformed when she was healed by Christ and joined his ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Gospels teach that she was also a witness at the cross and the first one sent by Christ to preach his resurrection. Yet her story is often confused, scandalized, and undervalued by the church.

In The Mary We Forgot, award-winning church historian and theologian Jennifer Powell McNutt unpacks Scripture and history to reveal the real Mary Magdalene: the first apostle of the good news and a model of discipleship for both men and women today.

McNutt also invites readers along on her journey through southern France, tracing the path remembered by some church traditions as where Mary Magdalene spread the gospel. Christians will learn from the disciple known as the “apostle to the apostles” how to embrace Jesus’s calling to “go and tell” with faith and courage. They’ll also be encouraged by the reminder that God calls ordinary, imperfect, and unexpected people to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The hope of remembering Mary Magdalene is ultimately to better know the one to whom she pointed, the risen Christ.

Summary:
In this conversation, Jennifer Powell McNutt discusses her work on Mary Magdalene, exploring her significance in theology and church history. She highlights the misrepresentation of Mary throughout history, her role as an apostle, and the importance of recognizing women’s contributions in the church. The discussion also delves into the nature of scripture, the complexities of biblical narratives, and the need for a more inclusive understanding of women’s roles in ministry.Takeaways

• Mary Magdalene is a significant figure in all four gospels.

• The historical portrayal of Mary Magdalene has often conflated her with other women.

• Women reformers used Mary Magdalene to validate their ministry.

• The church has historically silenced women’s voices.

• Mary Magdalene’s role as an apostle is affirmed in both Eastern and Western traditions.

• The nature of scripture requires understanding its oral traditions and historical context.

• Mary Magdalene’s story is often overshadowed by other biblical narratives.

• The Revised Common Lectionary often excludes important women from scripture.

• Encouraging young women to take on leadership roles is crucial for the church’s future.

• Understanding the complexities of biblical characters can enrich our faith.

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