The Visual Museum Series: Mary Magdalene - A Model of Devotion and Discipleship

The Alabaster Jar

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, an online database showcasing women in church leadership roles through curated images. Dr. Cohick discusses the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Italian art, her significance in Christian history, and interpretations of her character. They delve into her presence during Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, exploring artistic depictions and biblical narratives. The conversation examines societal interpretations of Mary Magdalene, her portrayal in art, and the challenges of negative stereotypes.

Key Takeaways:

• It is crucial to have a solid understanding of the New Testament background to avoid misinterpreting biblical women. Mary Magdalene is described as an apostle, meaning she was sent by Jesus.
• The idea of perpetual penance for sexual sin is an unfortunate and inaccurate portrayal of Mary Magdalene.
• The representation of Mary Magdalene and the traditions related to her vary across different periods of church history. Mary Magdalene is highly respected in the Church and seen as a model of devotion and discipleship.
• Misinterpretation and mislabeling of biblical characters can inadvertently silence their voices and agency.

Visual Museum of Women in Christianity
The purpose of this collaborative project is to create a curated, permanent visual exhibit of women in the history, ministry, and piety of early, Byzantine, and medieval Christianity that will be available online for researchers, educators, and interested laypersons.
This multi-year project aims to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and without permission requirements. It will also include short teaching elements to guide the audience through the constitutive and pivotal role of women throughout Christian history.
Together with the visual story, the accompanying narrative will allow patrons to learn about women throughout history and across the globe and their unique contributions to the life and faith of the church…
A history that remains mostly untold.
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Episode Sponsor:
The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.