Such a beautiful post, Tolly -- and a profound insight ("pleasure undermines power"). It makes me think about all the religions/cultures that actively seek to deny women pleasure. (Not to take this to a really dark place, but it's so horrifying to think that there are something like 92 countries in which female genital mutilation is practiced.) Across history, we've sought to enhance pleasure for men and suppress it for women ... and it's sad to see so many American Evangelical Christians with the same kind of outmoded patriarchal worldviews today (including a lot of Evangelical women, who don't seem to realize that they're advocating for an idea that essentially regards them as property). Adding Meggan Watterson's book to my "to read" list.
A) I think you'll love Meggan's book Rich and B) totally, re: Evangelical women. I had the realization recently that when you introduce ideas of good and evil, or God and Satan, ANYTHING is possible (like accepting ideas that regard you as property). I went down a podcast rabbit hole listening to the Ruby Franke story, and while the subject matter is different from this post, that whole saga is a good example of a person doing horrific things because she's been convinced she's battling "Satan." On that note, I could go on and one about how wild it is that churches use war metaphors and language...constantly.
I wonder if that Bryan Adams song "Summer of '69" was written when they updated the General Roman Calendar and stopped calling Mary Magdalene a prostitute. If you could ask her it seems like she wouldn't have cared one way or the other though. "Those were the best days of my life!" (guitar solo)
Amen Luna (Anyeri? You tell me your preference.) I feel that, too. Especially since recreational, consensual sex - and by extension - having an intimate relationship with your own body, was something none of us should have ever felt shame for. 🤍
I read this book at the beginning of the year and really loved it…it made me think a lot about how different Christianity could have been if her voice had not been taken out (and ultimately how different our world would be). Loved reading your reflections on it — and seeing the picture of the entrance to the cave she lived in. A portal to spiritual mystery indeed 🥹
Kelsey, isn’t there something cleansing about getting to know Mary Magdalene? Her cave, her loving connection to Jesus, perhaps even her eroticism. In the moments when Christianity feels like a cultural power coercion (Ten Commandments posted in classrooms) and not actually Christ-like (lack of free school lunch), I think about Mary Magdalene now and it gives me a little hope. Like. Maybe we’re finally ready for her. Maybe she’s coming “back” now for a reason.
So good Tolly. I’ve always struggled with organized religion for many reasons. After reading this and reflecting, it has helped me better understand some of my resistance and lack of connection to any/all religion. The desire to control and shame that is perpetuated gets to me every time. Shifting to MM’s perspective perhaps would allow desire and even control to be interpreted and felt differently. Perhaps in her own way, her flesh and those mouth kisses (or more) was how she imposed her own semblance of power and control in a masculine dominated religious environment of shame. I can see her (women) flipping the script of pleasure undermining power, and instead finding ways to use pleasure to elevate their power - even if behind the scenes or in undocumented unseen ways.
"The desire to control and shame that is perpetuated gets to me every time." -- Ya! Very much same. Knowing that you've struggled with organized religion, you might get a kick out of Meggan's book! (Mary Magdalene Revealed.) I actually listened to it on Audible and it was delightful that way, because Meggan herself reads it.
Ugh thank you for writing this piece!!! Excellent read. I am also reading a book about Mary Magdalene and she is fascinating. I hope one day Christians collectively wake up from the lie.
Such a beautiful post, Tolly -- and a profound insight ("pleasure undermines power"). It makes me think about all the religions/cultures that actively seek to deny women pleasure. (Not to take this to a really dark place, but it's so horrifying to think that there are something like 92 countries in which female genital mutilation is practiced.) Across history, we've sought to enhance pleasure for men and suppress it for women ... and it's sad to see so many American Evangelical Christians with the same kind of outmoded patriarchal worldviews today (including a lot of Evangelical women, who don't seem to realize that they're advocating for an idea that essentially regards them as property). Adding Meggan Watterson's book to my "to read" list.
A) I think you'll love Meggan's book Rich and B) totally, re: Evangelical women. I had the realization recently that when you introduce ideas of good and evil, or God and Satan, ANYTHING is possible (like accepting ideas that regard you as property). I went down a podcast rabbit hole listening to the Ruby Franke story, and while the subject matter is different from this post, that whole saga is a good example of a person doing horrific things because she's been convinced she's battling "Satan." On that note, I could go on and one about how wild it is that churches use war metaphors and language...constantly.
I wonder if that Bryan Adams song "Summer of '69" was written when they updated the General Roman Calendar and stopped calling Mary Magdalene a prostitute. If you could ask her it seems like she wouldn't have cared one way or the other though. "Those were the best days of my life!" (guitar solo)
"I knew that it was now or never" 🎸🎶
I truly feel it and believe it in my bones that Mary and Jesus had a wonderful friendship along with wonderful sex and she would been his #1 apostle.
Amen Luna (Anyeri? You tell me your preference.) I feel that, too. Especially since recreational, consensual sex - and by extension - having an intimate relationship with your own body, was something none of us should have ever felt shame for. 🤍
I read this book at the beginning of the year and really loved it…it made me think a lot about how different Christianity could have been if her voice had not been taken out (and ultimately how different our world would be). Loved reading your reflections on it — and seeing the picture of the entrance to the cave she lived in. A portal to spiritual mystery indeed 🥹
Kelsey, isn’t there something cleansing about getting to know Mary Magdalene? Her cave, her loving connection to Jesus, perhaps even her eroticism. In the moments when Christianity feels like a cultural power coercion (Ten Commandments posted in classrooms) and not actually Christ-like (lack of free school lunch), I think about Mary Magdalene now and it gives me a little hope. Like. Maybe we’re finally ready for her. Maybe she’s coming “back” now for a reason.
There really is. And I feel that — I think we need her messaging now more than ever.
Tolly, this is such an incredibly beautiful reflection. I hope you’ll send it to Meggan Watterson! ❤️♾️❤️
Thanks Molly!! Meggan's book came at the right time for me. And I've got YOU to thank for that. <3
So good Tolly. I’ve always struggled with organized religion for many reasons. After reading this and reflecting, it has helped me better understand some of my resistance and lack of connection to any/all religion. The desire to control and shame that is perpetuated gets to me every time. Shifting to MM’s perspective perhaps would allow desire and even control to be interpreted and felt differently. Perhaps in her own way, her flesh and those mouth kisses (or more) was how she imposed her own semblance of power and control in a masculine dominated religious environment of shame. I can see her (women) flipping the script of pleasure undermining power, and instead finding ways to use pleasure to elevate their power - even if behind the scenes or in undocumented unseen ways.
"The desire to control and shame that is perpetuated gets to me every time." -- Ya! Very much same. Knowing that you've struggled with organized religion, you might get a kick out of Meggan's book! (Mary Magdalene Revealed.) I actually listened to it on Audible and it was delightful that way, because Meggan herself reads it.
ha! I just added to my read list yesterday. thanks!
Ugh thank you for writing this piece!!! Excellent read. I am also reading a book about Mary Magdalene and she is fascinating. I hope one day Christians collectively wake up from the lie.
I hope so too Vashti! (& I feel it in the air.) Thanks so much for being here, I’m glad this one connected with you!