Wednesday, January 02, 2008

On... Magdalene by Angela Hunt

This is the last of the new books that I received for Christmas and it was definitely worth the wait.

I am always intrigued when an author takes on a character that lived during the time of Christ. These people named in the Bible aren't just names. They are frail human beings just like us.

This book was written and published during at least some of the furor surrounding the Da Vinci Code book and movie while many theories abounded about the supposed relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.

Hunt absolutely captivated me with this story and her portrayal of the reality of demon possession. Many Christians shy away from such things but possession is real and terrible. After losing her entire family because of the brash actions of her elder son Miryam seeks justice, revenge against the Roman soldiers that in her eyes stole every part of her life... her husband, her elder son, wife and unborn child and younger son. After coming up short Miryam's desire for revenge leaves her open for possession by demons... those that she calls foreign gods.

Though Miryam is not possessed for most of the book, the few chapters where she was absolutely broke my heart. I could see Miryam's heartache and the rejection of those left to her.

Even after Yeshua (Jesus) cast out the demons and after she spend so much time with him and believed in his message Miryam still fell prey to her selfish human pride in a way where even though she ultimately received forgiveness from those closest to her she still had to face a rather definite consequence.

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