New Novel The Galilean Secret Offers Intriguing Look at Jesus, Mary Magdalene and the Meaning of Love

646 views

Print |

Chicago, April 28, 2010 — Could Jesus of Nazareth have written a letter to Mary of Magdala that shed light on the nature of their relationship – the subject of speculation for centuries? Author Evan Drake Howard imagines the earth-shaking consequences of such a letter in his new novel The Galilean Secret (Guideposts Books), which releases on May 1. It’s a unique combination of Da Vinci Code-style intrigue with a fresh perspective on the teachings of Jesus such as millions of readers embraced in The Shack.

As the runaway success of The Da Vinci Code has shown, readers are hungry for fiction that mixes religion, history, and conjecture about long-lost scrolls and the esoteric secrets they hold. And Jesus and Mary Magdalene have fascinated scholars and believers for centuries. A gifted storyteller who has completed years of study, including research in Israel, Howard brings all of these elements into a fast-paced and inspiring exploration of the nature of love, the possibility of lasting peace, and the essential message of Jesus.

The Galilean Secret weaves together two plot lines, one set amidst the modern-day conflict in the Middle East, involving the discovery of a long-lost letter from Jesus to Mary Magdalene in the caves near Qumran, where ancient manuscripts have been uncovered. The second story, set in the Roman era, follows Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and other biblical characters such as Judas Iscariot, Nicodemus, and Dismas, “the good thief.”

The New Testament suggests that they were very close, but the idea that they were married and had a child is “wildly speculative,” Howard says. In The Galilean Secret, he describes Jesus struggling with very human romantic feelings for Mary Magdalene, but transcending them. To explain why they can never be man and wife, Jesus pens a letter to Mary that explains the deepest essence of love and its power to transform hearts, create joy and abundance, and overcome evil.

Howard conceived the story as a way to bring understanding among Christians, Jews and Muslims, and to show how one can be true to one’s beliefs but open to learning from others. He raises a number of intriguing questions, such as “What if Jesus’ relationship with Mary Magdalene challenges us to integrate the masculine and feminine in ourselves. And what if the challenge extends to our religious traditions?” In addition, he proposes that Judas betrayed Jesus for reasons not recorded in the Bible – out of jealousy because he was in love with Mary Magdalene.

The Galilean Secret, like the Jesus letter at its center, is a powerful statement about how religions need to change if the world is to experience lasting peace. Howard, who pastors a small church in Rhode Island, explores questions of where we can find hope for today, and for the future; how we can get along with people who are different from us, and what we can learn from the example of Jesus, who for Christians is the nonviolent ‘Prince of Peace.’”

Evan Drake Howard holds a master of divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a doctorate in theology from Boston University. He pastors Community Church of Providence in Rhode Island, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

# # #