Theology in the Raw Mary Magdalene: Myths and Facts with Dr. Jennifer McNutt
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May 4, 2026 
Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, Wheaton professor and author of The Mary We Forgot, revisits Mary Magdalene’s true New Testament portrait. Short takes explore her naming in all four gospels, the conflation with other women, the seven-demon detail, her role as wealthy supporter and apostolic messenger, and how medieval and Reformation traditions shaped popular myths.
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Mary Magdalene Was A Healed Disciple Not A Prostitute
- Mary Magdalene is introduced in the Gospels as a healed, demon-oppressed disciple rather than a repentant prostitute.
- All four Gospels name her, note her seven-demon deliverance, and show her following Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem supporting his ministry financially.
How The Prostitute Myth Originated
- The prostitute image arose from conflating multiple anointing stories and Luke's unnamed 'sinner' woman with Mary of Bethany and then Mary Magdalene.
- Augustine and later church leaders merged accounts; the Pope formalized the conflation in the 6th century creating Western tradition.
Meaning Of Magdalene Signals Special Status
- Magdalene likely marks her Galilean origin and also serves as a nickname highlighting her distinctive role or strength.
- Gospel writers unusually use a place-based identifier for a woman, signaling special status and presence at the cross and tomb.
