I've just had an interesting experience of reading an historical novel about Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia for 35 years in what was largely considered to be a golden age.
This came on the heels of reading an historical account of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, who also ruled in a golden age alongside her husband Akhenaten. In fact there is great historical dispute as to who really ruled at that time as Nefertiti wielded great power, and ruled after her husband died.
Then she evaporates from the historical record.
Catherine the Great's son Paul also tried to expunge his mother's rule, so great was his hatred of her and so intense was his belief that women were never intended to rule, but only to be ruled by men.
One wonders how many other great and powerful women went through the same experience, and how many have been removed from the historical record completely.
It is wise to reflect upon this in the case of Mary Magdalene, especially as today is her feast day. The Gnostic literature acknowledges her as a great leader and the "Apostle of the Apostles" one who was the "companion" of the Lord, which in the language of the day meant "wife."
Of course this literature proclaiming her leadership was also expunged by a patriarchal mindset.
But these figures never die. And we are living in a time when what was buried, is now coming to light.
This came on the heels of reading an historical account of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, who also ruled in a golden age alongside her husband Akhenaten. In fact there is great historical dispute as to who really ruled at that time as Nefertiti wielded great power, and ruled after her husband died.
Then she evaporates from the historical record.
Catherine the Great's son Paul also tried to expunge his mother's rule, so great was his hatred of her and so intense was his belief that women were never intended to rule, but only to be ruled by men.
One wonders how many other great and powerful women went through the same experience, and how many have been removed from the historical record completely.
It is wise to reflect upon this in the case of Mary Magdalene, especially as today is her feast day. The Gnostic literature acknowledges her as a great leader and the "Apostle of the Apostles" one who was the "companion" of the Lord, which in the language of the day meant "wife."
Of course this literature proclaiming her leadership was also expunged by a patriarchal mindset.
But these figures never die. And we are living in a time when what was buried, is now coming to light.