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Anthony Le Donne
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The Wife of Jesus: Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals Paperback – June 9, 2015

by Anthony Le Donne (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
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The idea that Jesus was married continues to incite fierce debate. But most who address the topic either dismiss the possibility or propound conspiracy theories. Amid the storm of controversy, Le Donne provides a haven of clarity and sense. Approaching the subject from a fresh, historical perspective, Le Donne places Jesus firmly within a socio-cultural context and, by investigating gender and marriage norms, provocatively argues that Jesus could well have been married – although not to Mary Magdalene.
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Oneworld Academic
  4. Publication date
    June 9, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    5.1 x 0.65 x 7.8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1780745699
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780745695
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'A marvellous survey of ancient and modern attitudes toward Jesus' possible marriage.' ― Maclean's

'An impressive work from beginning to end, "The Wife of Jesus: Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals" is a fascinating, informed, informative, and iconoclastic work that is as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is well written and presented. Enhanced with extensive notes, an impressive nine page bibliography, and a reference index as well as a subject index, [it] is highly recommended reading and will make an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Christian Studies collections.' ― The Midwest Book Review

'Reasonable, provocative [and] courageous... Le Donne reaches his conclusion with much careful thought and analysis.' ― Chicago Tribune

'Despite a subject matter that is sure to be provocative, Le Donne manages not to take sides but also reminds readers that our ideas on Jesus’ sexuality and marital status show more about us than they do about him. A welcome resource and fresh voice.' ― Kirkus Reviews

'Anthony Le Donne balances strong scholarship with sensitivity as he lays out the possibilities in The Wife of Jesus: Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals. This is an eminently readable book for nonspecialists and specialists alike that contributes to the discussion with clarity and candor even as it challenges readers to ask what it is about ourselves that we might learn from our curiosity and concern.' ― Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Anthony Le Donne (PhD, Durham) is Assistant Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary. He is the author/editor of seven books and serves as an editor of the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oneworld Academic
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 9, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1780745699
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780745695
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.65 x 7.8 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #3,737,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

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Anthony Le Donne

Anthony Le Donne

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Anthony Le Donne (Ph.D. Durham, UK) is the author / editor of ten books and an associate professor at United Theological Seminary.

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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
28 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

  • dkhundley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very fair book that's a pretty easy read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I'm not sure about the other reviewers, but I will start by saying my formal education in historical Jesus studies is pretty limited. I would consider myself the average person and hopefully can provide insight to you if you're an average reader interested in this book.

    First, speaking to the readability of this book, I'd say compared to other works I have read, Le Donne writes in a way that is both easy for any regular reader and even entertaining at times. Not to speak ill of any other works on the same level as Dr. Le Donne, but I've personally found them to be difficult to read. Le Donne does a great job in relaying his ideas in a clear and concise manner to readers of any academic level.

    Regarding the content of the book, Le Donne does a fantastic job building cases for and against a wife of Jesus. It is very clear that Le Donne did his homework on both sides. Le Donne does a good job of steering clear of personal opinions and, coincidentally, elaborately explains how personal agendas have shaped people's views of a possible wife of Jesus.

    If you are a person curious behind the rationale of why some people, past and present, may believe in the idea of Jesus having a wife, this is the book for you. This conclusive study on the subject covers all ground, and I really don't know how anybody else could write a better conclusive study on this subject.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • L. Carl
    5.0 out of 5 stars What A Family!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2014
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This book is nothing short of superlative? Enjoyable? Even fun, but there may be to much sex for me. The author starts with the premise that The Man was married and works through every single permutation that we throw up, or is it out? or in? Prepositions have always given me fits, especially in reads as does this book. The writer is clearly erudite and knows his "stuff" and only lost me on one page written from the Ivory Tower, but it's OK as the rest of it rolls around in the dirt. Isn't all sex dirty? Or only if it is done "right"? Well the author does it all and right too. A thoroughly enjoyable read, even that one page, as the writer tries to show that it isn't all Greek to me. Highly enjoyable and well worth the small time it takes to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Khazar
    1.0 out of 5 stars Evidentiary absence
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Not recommended because the evidence that supports the author's thesis is flimsy, twisted to make a point, or missing.
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  • MoTeef59
    5.0 out of 5 stars insightful and engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This a creative, well researched and insightful book that doesn't tell you what to think, but how to think. The author doesn't look for a predetermined answer rather he helps us to make sense of the evidence we do have.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Cometkazie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't improve on it.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Messrs. Sutton and Chilcott said what I wanted to say much better, so I will second their reviews.

    I really liked the way the chapters are organized and summed up. Good end notes, too.

    I am looking forward for more from this author.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • D. Peter Humphrys
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not silly tripe (what I feared), but actuall good scholarship, largely a pleasure to read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2014
    Format: Hardcover
    I picked up this book curious as to what a serious scholar such as Anthony LeDonne is, might have to say about such a controversial (and to my mind a bit silly) topic.

    Well it turns out that this book does not disappoint the reader. It is actually really quite good and engages serious scholarship in a manner accessible to the average reader - no special skill set required to make full use of his arguments. Moreover, he covers some very interesting material (romance vs. economics regarding marriage, the troubadours etc.) which I found to be timely and relevant in relation to modern North American culture. His essential argument is that we tend to read our own biases, fears, foibles, and desires into ancient characters idealized in our own society - in this case Jesus of Nazareth, and the changing views of how such a character lived changes with our changing values, hence the idea of a married Jesus has great appeal for many people today. Le Donne after examining various bits of evidence indicating for, against, or inconclusive for a married Jesus comes down cautiously for an unmarried Jesus at least during his time of ministry.

    There were times when Le Donne said some things which seemed to me to be off the mark a bit, perhaps not phrased as well, or nuanced as they could have been, and he is dependent on a so called "critical reading" of early Christian writings, but these issues did not detract very much for me from a very enjoyable read.

    One final oddity that I would note, I still am not sure what would define marriage in Jesus' culture after reading this book, would a couple "shacked up" but not syagogued/churched with a marriage contract be considered married or just living in sin in Jesus' day, aside from Jesus' comments to the Syro-Phoenician woman?

    The book has a good solid bibliography, with sufficient textual and subject indices to facilitate further research if one so desires. Definitely recommended.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Stephen R Reppert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast shipping and as advertised!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Fast shipping and as advertised!
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  • Sam Yaksich
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2015
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Very pleased with product and seller.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Laime
    4.0 out of 5 stars The wife of Jesus
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Im just curious about this book so I got it,worth to read.Deliver on time in good quality well pack.
    Report
  • Akashdeep Sen
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 star
    Reviewed in India on October 14, 2017
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    One of the best books about the history of Jesus I have come across, a must read book..
    Report
  • amanda cat
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Thought-provoking
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