New Research on Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene has long been a misunderstood and controversial character in the New Testament and the church. Often dismissed as a sinner, Mary is nevertheless perhaps one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and the one who, according to the Gospel of John, is the first disciple to have encountered the risen Jesus. But why is the biblical record in many ways so confusing about her? What does the Bible actually have to say about this woman?

 

Lutheran School of Theology is excited to announce that they will offer two lecture presentations by the scholar Elizabeth Schrader Polczer, who is Ph.D. Candidate in Early Christianity at Duke University. The classes, scheduled for Fridays, February 3 and 17, 9:30 to 11:30 CST will take place online through ZOOM and will focus on her work in textual studies specifically as it relates to Mary Magdalene. Her work has been ground breaking and she has been in demand as a speaker and researcher.

 

The first session will explore how text critical studies can illuminate and give us new perspective on the portrayal of Mary in the Gospel of John, chapters 11 and 20. The second session will delve into the potential meanings of “Magdalene” and what both canonical and extracanonical gospels have to tell us about Mary’s role among the early (and later) disciples.

 

Instructor: Elizabeth Schrader Polczer, Doctoral Candidate at Duke University

 

Zoom classes on Friday, February 3 and February 17, 2023, 9:30 – 11:30 am CST

 

Cost of class: $30

 

Zoom recording available for registrants who need to view at alternate time.