mary magdalane

james D · Oct 17, 2004

i am seeking confirmation or otherwise on the question, in 1969 did the vatican release a "quiet retraction" that mary magdalane was not a prostitute, but still being a fallen woman

Scott1 · Oct 17, 2004

Thanks for the question james.

To my knowledge, I know of no such "retraction".... or the need for one. Catholic and Protestant scholars alike are not sure of who Mary actually was:

The Greek Fathers, as a whole, distinguish the three persons:

the "sinner" of Luke 7:36-50;
the sister of Martha and Lazarus, Luke 10:38-42 and John 11; and
Mary Magdalen.

On the other hand most of the Latins hold that these three were one and the same. Protestant critics, however, believe there were two, if not three, distinct persons. It is impossible to demonstrate the identity of the three; but those commentators undoubtedly go too far who assert, as does Westcott (on John 11:1), "that the identity of Mary with Mary Magdalene is a mere conjecture supported by no direct evidence, and opposed to the general tenour of the gospels." It is the identification of Mary of Bethany with the "sinner" of Luke 7:37, which is most combatted by Protestants. It almost seems as if this reluctance to identify the "sinner" with the sister of Martha were due to a failure to grasp the full significance of the forgiveness of sin. The harmonizing tendencies of so many modern critics, too, are responsible for much of the existing confusion.

For further reading:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09761a.htm

Peace be with you,
Scott

mary magdalane

james D

New Member

Scott1

Well-Known Member