The Mary We Forgot
- World Religions
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Brazos Press (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
2025 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist (Christian Living) ● 2025 Midwest Book Awards Finalist (Religion/Philosophy)Setting the Story Straight for the Mary Whom the Church Has MisunderstoodMary 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. 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.
Endorsements (6)
“At a time when we have forgotten so many biblical women, this book calls us to remember one of the most crucial. With remarkable pastoral wisdom and academic expertise, McNutt challenges us not only to see the historic Mary Magdalene better but to understand how she changes the way we see women in the church today. Take up and read!”
“McNutt leaves no stone unturned in her quest for the real Mary Magdalene. As a church historian with biblical and theological training, she disentangles Mary Magdalene’s story from the other Marys and unnamed women of the New Testament, work she is uniquely qualified to do. As someone with pastoral experience, McNutt helps us see why Mary’s story is critically important for the church today. This book was a joy to read!”
“With a historian’s attention to detail and a theologian’s love for both the biblical text and its context, Jennifer Powell McNutt brings to life the ‘forgotten’ Mary and, in so doing, reminds us that such figures in the Bible were living, breathing people of flesh and blood who have things to teach us today. This is a rich and provocative book that brings the larger biblical narrative to life again.”
“Harlot. Sinner. Mystic. Wife. Mary Magdalene has been called many things throughout history. The fanciful story of prostitute-turned-saint makes for good drama, but what does Scripture really say about this Mary? McNutt rightly dwells on what the Gospels teach: her faith and deep devotion to Jesus. This book not only clarifies the woman we forgot but also helps us see more clearly the Messiah who sent her as first witness of the resurrection. McNutt is a gifted spiritual biographer. This was a delight to read.”
“It is difficult to praise this book too highly. Jennifer Powell McNutt not only helps us distinguish between the various Marys of the New Testament, she also recovers the voice and example of Mary Magdalene for the church today—and, it must be noted, for men and women alike. Fascinating and accessible, this book is a must-read for anyone who preaches and teaches regularly, but it would also aid anyone who is interested in more deeply understanding the Scriptures. I commend this book to all who want to follow Jesus, especially those interested in the attention, dignity, and tasks of ministry that he gave (and gives) to women in the church. Highly recommended!”
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