Last week, the service at my Unitarian Church (the Unitarian Universalist Church of Mt. Airy in Philadelphia) was about the Gospel of Mary Magdelene. Since I was heavily influenced by the Gnostic Gospels when I was writing my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders (Adelaide Books; 2018), I was fascinated.
Also in my life, informing some of my other books, including The Unicorn, The Mystery (Adelaide Books; 2020), I have been heavily influenced by the Gnostic Gospels. The Gnostic Gospels can help people think in new ways, critical for this time. Consider that “gnosis” is the common Greek noun for “knowledge.” Perhaps, the reason the Gnostic Gospels are scorned is in the name: Gnostic (“knowing”). Apparently, it is heretical to know your own truth.
The Gnostic Gospels were discovered in Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945. There are some conflicting theories about when they were first written, but some historians say that they were written before the New Testament. The Gnostic Gospels were known throughout history – particularly in the Middle Ages – but were always banned by the Church.
The Gospel of Mary Magdelene was found in fragments (like much of the poet Sappho’s work).
I’ve decided to read a short excerpt from my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders inspired by The Gospel of Mary Magdelene.
cover image of THEY | intersexed Adam and Eve reclining with a tree growing out of them |
Mary looked dejected. Thomas wanted to cheer her up.
“It does not matter,” Thomas said. “You and I are Yeshua’s favorites. We’re the only ones he trusts, really. He told me himself that there is no way to know that the apostles won’t abandon him in a crisis.”
“That’s true,” replied Mary. “Besides, we’ll be travelling with Yeshua when he performs his miracles. There’s nothing that Peter can say that will change that.” Mary nodded and then spoke: “Peter treats me like an adversary. But I am trying not to respond with anger. For one thing it would tarnish the feeling that I hold for Yeshua. I do feel that he can truly save us. Also, I know that the angry person’s wisdom is the seventh power of wrath.”
“What are the first six powers?” asked Thomas.
“The first form is darkness; the second, desire; the third, ignorance; the fourth, death wish; the fifth, fleshly kingdom, the sixth, foolish fleshly wisdom; and the seventh, as I told you, the angry person’s wisdom.”
Mary picked up her basket and glanced back toward the Temple. “I should go before the meeting is over and the men come out.”
Thomas looked at Mary with respect bordering on awe. Mary was wise, to be sure. She had much to offer.
You can also read an excerpt, written as standalone short fiction, in the online literary journal BlazeVOX15
Another excerpt is in the recent issue of Sinister Wisdom — the fortieth anniversary issue
A different excerpt is also in the aaduna literary magazine (this excerpt was nominated for a Pushcart Prize)
Text excerpts from THEY and my introductions presented at UUCR (Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration) can be clicked on below.
To read the text to the “Descent of Ishtar” and the introduction (where I talk about ancient Babylon), click here.
To read the text to “Forty Days And Forty Nights” as well as my introduction, click here.
THEY is available where books are sold online, from your local bookstores and library.
For more information on THEY, click here:
They: A Biblical Tale of Secret Genders: Mason, Janet: 9780999516430: Amazon.com: Books
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