"By examining the rhetorical function of the post-resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene traditions in early Christian communities, Holly E. Hearon draws connections between these ancient communities and the life of the Church today. Beginning with a reconstruction of the practice of storytelling in the world of antiquity, Hearon situates the Magdalene narratives in this oral, storytelling environment. Focusing on the fluid nature of storytelling, Hearon explores how the traditions were used to further arguments by storytellers with respect to women's leadership in Christian communities."--BOOK JACKET.