Tale of misogyny

Conspicuous by absence in the debate in these pages on the New Testament is any reference to which ancient scriptures were arbitrarily rejected for inclusion, and why. Consideration of differences between the two sources of “knowledge” reveal a clear role for misogyny in the selection.

The version authorised (to the point that all other texts were ordered to be destroyed) established an all-male discipleship under Peter. Mary Magdalene, for instance, was reduced to a mere footnote, yet alternative texts show women to be prominent in the ministry of Jesus.

Magdalene herself was pre-eminent, known as “the apostle of the apostles” according to Gnostic gospels, which have Jesus describe her as “The One Who Knows The All” and one “who will tower over all my disciples”. He also addresses her as “thou whose heart is raised to the Kingdom of Heaven more than all of my brethren”.

Maybe it’s all just fiction.

Robert Dow

Ormiston Road

Tranent