Disappointing, anodyne retelling through the male gaze (comfort zone), of director Dallas Jenkins and the production team.
In 591, Pope Gregory conflated Mary Magdalene with a prostitute. In 1969 the Catholic Church apologised for the error. Eastern Orthodox Christians never depicted her as a prostitute. Modern scholars regard her as one of Jesus's most prominent disciples and apostles, she is thought to have been a woman of greater social status and authority, who accompanied Jesus, helping him and his disciples out of her own resources. Yet Dallas Jenkins, creator, co-writer and director chose to depict her as a redeemed prostitute when there is ample evidence to refute this and nothing in the bible that implies she ever was a prostitute. Mary Magdalene is thought to have been of equal status to Peter as a leader amongst the disciples. Jesus was counter-cultural. Yet Jenkins depicts her as a peripheral and 'bland' character, a redeemed prostitute who doesn't rock the boat and certainly doesn't engage in any heated discussions with the menfolk - she is everso meek, bearing little resemblance to the real character. Jesus gave his disciples nicknames, he may have given her the nick-name 'Magdalene' meaning 'The Tower' a name no less significant than his naming Peter 'The Rock'. Does historical accuracy of the portrayal of women not matter to Jenkins? The evidence supporting Mary Magdalene as a strong leader amongst the apostles is widely available yet Jenkins chose to ignore this in favour of the her portrayal as an uncontroversial, bit-part player, a repentant sinner. Other prominent women disciples/apostles that provided resources for Jesus' ministry were Joanna and Salome to mention two. Women are regarded by scholars as being instrumental to the success of Jesus' ministry. In the strictly gendered society of Jesus' day only women could engage with women. Luke's gospel refers to 72 disciples going out two by two (mixed pairs). Sadly Jenkins portrayal reveals him to be little more than a traditionalist probably a sexist with latent misogynistic sympathies and uncomfortable with women in leadership roles - (however damaging and oppressive that view might be to more than half the faith community) . His choice of portrayal is both dishonest and is likely to impact on the ongoing abuse of women, the demeaning of their personal dignity and personhood in traditional Christian settings. What a wasted opportunity to do real good. Shame.
Check out this fantastic documentary from Prof' Joan Taylor and Prof' Helen Bond for some fascinating insights. Prepare to be blown away!
It's available free on youTube. Search using this 'Jesus' Female Disciples - Do Christians Have To Rethink Their Faith? | Free Documentary History'. (Unfortunately is it not possible to include links in Trustpilot reviews).
Summary: Mary Magdalene was NEVER a prostitute, she was a leader, a deeply spiritual person who understood Jesus' mission best amongst the apostles. Known as the 'Apostle of the Apostles' she was tasked by Jesus to tell of his resurrection to the others.
11 February 2024
Unprompted review