Why is the Gospel of Mary not in the Bible?
The Gospel of Mary, also known as the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, has been a topic of intrigue and debate among scholars and theologians for centuries. This ancient text, believed to have been written between the first and fourth centuries AD, presents a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Despite its historical significance and potential to enrich our understanding of early Christian thought, the Gospel of Mary is notably absent from the Bible. This raises the question: why is the Gospel of Mary not included in the Bible?
One primary reason for the exclusion of the Gospel of Mary from the Bible is its origins and the criteria used for selecting canonical texts. The Bible, as we know it today, is a compilation of books that were considered authoritative by the early Christian church. These books, known as the New Testament, were formally recognized as canonical during the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The criteria for inclusion in the Bible were based on factors such as the text’s apostolic authorship, its acceptance by the early church, and its orthodoxy.
The Gospel of Mary, however, does not meet these criteria. It is believed to have been written by an unknown author, and its authorship is not attributed to any apostle. Additionally, the text’s content and theological perspective differ significantly from those found in the New Testament. For instance, the Gospel of Mary emphasizes the role of Mary Magdalene as a prominent apostle and interpreter of Jesus’ teachings, which is a view not reflected in the canonical Gospels.
Another reason for the exclusion of the Gospel of Mary from the Bible is the influence of the early church fathers and their interpretation of apostolic tradition. The church fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Eusebius, played a crucial role in shaping the canon of the New Testament. They were primarily concerned with promoting orthodoxy and ensuring that the texts included in the Bible were in line with apostolic teachings. The Gospel of Mary, with its unique perspective on the role of women and the nature of Jesus’ divinity, was seen as a threat to these goals.
Furthermore, the Gospel of Mary was discovered much later than the canonical Gospels. Its first known discovery was in 1896, during the excavation of the Nag Hammadi library in Egypt. This late discovery meant that the Gospel of Mary had little influence on the development of the New Testament canon. By the time the Gospel of Mary was discovered, the canonical texts had already been established and accepted by the church.
In conclusion, the Gospel of Mary is not included in the Bible due to its origins, the criteria used for selecting canonical texts, the influence of the early church fathers, and its late discovery. Despite its historical significance and potential to contribute to our understanding of early Christian thought, the Gospel of Mary remains an intriguing yet excluded text in the broader context of Christian literature.
