Blocked by the Magdalene Movement—for Honoring the Magdalene
How quoting sacred scholarship got me excommunicated by the high priestess of dialogue
🕯️ A Candle Snuffed by the Gate
I join Diana Butler Bass’s
because she speaks of Mary Magdalene with reverence—as “The Tower,” the first apostle, the one who never fled.I thought, Finally. Someone saying what needs to be said.
I read one of her reflections on Mary and felt moved. So I responded—not to argue, not to correct—but to stand alongside her in honoring Magdalene’s place. I quoted her sources: Karen King, Libbie Schrader, Bruce Chilton. I invited others to consider the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, which wasn’t mentioned in the piece.
I asked, sincerely, “Have you read it?”
That was my mistake.
She replied:
“Maybe read or listen before mansplaining.”
Then canceled my paid subscription and blocked me.
📜 What Actually Happened
Let’s be clear: I wasn’t talking over her. I wasn’t correcting her.
I was supporting her work and inviting further reflection from others interested in the Magdalene’s role in early Christianity.
But I also see now that I failed to do one important thing:
I didn’t explicitly acknowledge Diana’s expertise before asking my question.
In a world where women’s scholarship is so often challenged or ignored, that omission matters.
It left my comment open to being misread—as dismissive, condescending, or worse.
That wasn’t my intention. But intent and impact aren’t always the same.
And for that lack of clarity, I take responsibility.
📿 Correction and Counsel
Afterward, Sister R—my teacher, my mirror, my merciful thorn—gently showed me the wound I’d stepped on.
She helped me see that even reverent words can miss the mark when they skip acknowledgment. That tone and timing are part of the offering.
So I want to say this clearly:
I apologize.
To Diana, and to anyone else who’s had their labor invisibly challenged too many times to tell the difference anymore.
It was never my intention to diminish her work.
I only meant to lift up Mary—and those who have helped restore her name.
I bless Diana. Truly.
And by her prayers, may I be blessed.
Still blessing the Tower,
even from outside the walls.
—Virgin Monk Boy
(Still quoting the Magdalene, for that I’m not sorry)
Upcoming Meditations
✨ Upcoming Meditations: Christ-Tantra, Nous Ignition, and the Radiant Gaze of the Beloveds
Before you vanish back into the illusion—smash that LIKE or SHARE button like you're breaking open an alabaster jar. One small click, one bold act of remembrance. That’s how we spread the Gospel they tried to erase and resurrect the voice of the First Apostle.
And if this stirred something in your chest cavity (or your third eye), consider a paid subscription. It keeps the scrolls unrolling, the incense smoldering, and the Magdalene movement caffeinated. ☕️🔥
(Yes, you can literally buy me a coffee. Mary saw the risen Christ—I just need a latte to write about it.)
Please keep sharing about Mary.
It’s so easy to miss or leave out nuance in text for any of us at any given time. Guilty as well.
Sometimes sorry sometimes not.
Human.
Ok, ok, ok, BUT. I wonder if Mary ever accused Peter of mansplaining. Cuz you KNOW she could have. Often. I’m assuming. When I read Diana’s response, I gasped. It has really bothered me and it took me a while to put my finger on it. Then, oh right: I saw it “Love your enemies.” I didn’t see that in her response to you; yes to the respecting of women’s scholarship, of course. But Jesus was not respected. Mary was not respected. We look to them. So ironically, me and all my gaspiness —I get to look to them just when I think someone else should be. The Way is fun, huh? So full of irony and mirrors and tight paths that have no exit. Thank you, VMB, for your humility and willingness to learn. I hope to get there soon. In the meantime keep risking offending people, please.