**Jesus Was Not Married**
#Unfinished for Authorship of the Gospels (External)
#Unfinished Herndon
This theory that Jesus had a romantic relationship and was married to Mary Magdalene, one of his disciples and closest companions. Mainstream consensus among historians and biblical scholars does not consider it credible. It was popularized by books such as [The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail](https://paperpile.com/app/p/0f05e799-32b5-07cb-a7df-dd0d29f1cbb9 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail'), [Simcha Jacobovici, Barrie Wilson](https://paperpile.com/app/p/bcb7aa94-b16b-02c8-99f6-cc623ad4c6e4 'The Lost Gospel: Decoding the Ancient Text that Reveals Jesus Marriage to Mary Magdalene') and [The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity](https://paperpile.com/app/p/9f6cea4e-44c9-064c-ab53-b77b0f352a21 'The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity') as well as films such as "The Da Vinci Code". The primary source of evidence cited by those who argue for the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is the presence of certain ancient texts, most notably the Gnostic Gospels. These texts, such as the Gospel of Philip and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, were discovered in the mid-20th century and provide alternative accounts and perspectives on Jesus and his teachings. Proponents of the theory argue that these texts contain hidden messages or codes suggesting a special relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, potentially implying marriage and that this teaching was suppressed by the church ([Margaret Starbird](https://paperpile.com/app/p/8f31b3c2-79fd-06f5-a2b5-080f662e3cb7 'The Woman with the Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalen and the Holy Grail')). While these Gnostic Gospels refer to Mary and include as part of Jesus enlighten disciples, they do not explicitly refer to her as his wife ([Elaine Pagels](https://paperpile.com/app/p/38e540bc-3bf1-0ce9-92d2-7d941b0e13b0 'The Gnostic Gospels'), [Bart D. Ehrman](https://paperpile.com/app/p/13a9a4e6-8ff8-0671-97a4-b171d18587ff 'Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code: A Historian Reveals What We Really Know about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Constantine')). The canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) accepted by mainstream Christianity mention her as a significant figure and the first witness to Jesus' resurrection, but nothing more. Early Christian writings and traditions, including the letters of Paul and the writings of the early Church Fathers, do not mention Jesus' marriage to Mary Magdalene. These sources, closer in time to the events, would likely address such a significant aspect if it were true.
No substantial historical evidence outside of the disputed texts supports the theory of Jesus' marriage to Mary Magdalene. Contemporary historical records, such as official documents or writings from Jesus' time, do not mention their marriage. Additional corroborating evidence would be expected for such a claim [[Bart D. Ehrman](https://paperpile.com/app/p/3343fb39-c5c7-04d6-8077-46fde937a9e3 'Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth')].
Scholars dismiss the theory due to the Gnostic Gospels' theological nature and the distinct beliefs of the movement that produced them. Historical context and practices of Jesus' time, such as celibacy among certain Jewish sects, make the claim of Jesus being married less likely ([Paula Fredriksen](https://paperpile.com/app/p/2495dc23-ce64-0261-ac58-24d711d57894 'From Jesus to Christ: The Origins of the New Testament Images of Jesus (Second Edition)'), [Nicholas Thomas Wright](https://paperpile.com/app/p/b4186320-77ee-0456-998b-821da626ecf8 'The Resurrection of the Son of God'), [Amy-Jill Levine et al.](https://paperpile.com/app/p/c17450d5-cd68-0a32-8b80-26378da6d885 'The Historical Jesus in Context'))
The theory suggesting a romantic relationship and marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene lacks credibility among mainstream historians and biblical scholars. While popularized by books and films like "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail" and "The Da Vinci Code," it primarily relies on texts like the Gnostic Gospels, which present alternative perspectives on Jesus but do not explicitly refer to Mary Magdalene as his wife. Canonical Gospels and early Christian writings, closer in time to the events, do not mention Jesus' marriage to Mary Magdalene. Moreover, contemporary historical records from Jesus' time also lack any mention of such a marriage, leading scholars to dismiss the theory due to the theological nature of the Gnostic Gospels and historical context, including practices like celibacy among certain Jewish sects. Therefore, the theory of Jesus' marriage to Mary Magdalene lacks substantial historical evidence and is not accepted among scholars.
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