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LEVEL 1:
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2:
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
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lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Introduction
In the last twenty years, the history of women in ancient Christianity has been almost completely revised. As women historians entered the field in record numbers, they brought with them new questions, developed new methods, and sought for evidence of women's presence in neglected texts and exciting new findings. For example, only a few names of women were widely known: Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary Magdalene, his disciple and the first witness to the resurrection; Mary and Martha, the sisters who offered him hospitality in Bethany. Now we are learning more of the many women who contributed to the formation of Christianity in its earliest years.
Perhaps most surprising, however, is that the stories of women we thought we knew well are changing in dramatic ways. Chief among these is Mary Magdalene, a woman infamous in Western Christianity as an adulteress and repentant whore. Discoveries of new texts from the dry sands of Egypt, along with sharpened critical insight, have now proven that this portrait of Mary is entirely inaccurate. She was indeed an influential figure, but as a prominent disciple and leader of one wing of the early Christian movement that promoted women's leadership.
For further reading: King, K. L. (1998, April). Women In Ancient Christianity: The New Discoveries. Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/first/women.html
Links
- Women in the Bible
The Bible is an historic record of real people and places. Learn who's who, their relationships, and the meaning of their names. - Women of the Bible
A study of women in the bible.
- 5 Strong women from the Bible
There are many great examples of strong women in the Bible to learn from. Here are five strong women with a summary of their story. - Women prophets in the Bible
A prophetess is simply a female prophet. Just like a prophet, a prophetess is a person called by God. A prophet (male or female) is the mouthpiece for the one who sends him or her; the prophet speaks on behalf of the sender (Exodus 7:1-2).
Databases
- Who was Mary Magdalene?
This article questions the true identity of the Christian figure Mary Magdalene based on information in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene is a revered saint and the embodiment of Christian devotion, which was defined as repentance. A number of women named Mary are mentioned in the scriptures, which include Mary the mother of Christ, Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Mary the wife of Clopas. There are additionally three unnamed women who are identified as sexual sinners.
Key terms
- Biblical CommunityA group of people who share the same religion, race, job, etc.
- SacrificeThe fact of giving up something important or valuable to you in order to get or do something that seems more important.
- SocietyA particular community of people who share the same customs, laws, etc.
- SymboliseTo be a symbol of something.
- TrustThe belief that somebody/something is good, sincere, honest, etc. and will not try to harm or trick you.
- ValuesBeliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in life.