For those who admire Jesus—yet distrust the tradition that claims him—the figure of Mary Magdalene can inspire. Among the first apostles, she has been both the most beloved and, next to Judas Iscariot, the most despised. Discovery of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, long considered heretical, has opened new insight into her powerful role. If this gospel had never been banned, what might Christianity have become? What can Mary’s life teach us today?