The Thorn is a 2022 Christian film that tells the story of Mary Magdalene and her encounter with Jesus Christ. The film is based on the Gospels but also includes extra-biblical legends and apocryphal texts about Mary Magdalene’s life. There has been much debate amongst Christians about whether The Thorn presents a biblically accurate portrayal of Mary Magdalene and Jesus.
What is The Thorn about?
The Thorn focuses on Mary Magdalene’s life story. It shows her as a young girl who is stoned for adultery, before having a miraculous encounter with Jesus where he saves her life. Jesus tells Mary she is forgiven and has a purpose, completely transforming her life. The film then follows Mary as she becomes one of Jesus’s most devoted followers. It culminates in Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, which Mary witnesses.
Throughout the film, Mary struggles with demons from her past and must have faith in Jesus’s power to overcome evil spirits. Her full name is revealed as Mary Magdalene, and connections are drawn between her and several gospel stories about women Jesus healed and forgave.
Is the portrayal of Mary Magdalene biblical?
There are several elements of Mary Magdalene’s portrayal in The Thorn that align with what we know from the Bible:
- Mary was a follower of Jesus who traveled with him and his disciples (Luke 8:1-3)
- Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9)
- She witnessed the crucifixion (Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, John 19:25)
- She was the first witness to Jesus’s resurrection (Mark 16:9, John 20:1-18)
However, other parts of her story in the film come from extra-biblical texts and legends:
- Being stoned for adultery as a young girl
- Jesus directly intervening to save her during the stoning
- Romantic feelings between Mary and Jesus
- Traveling with Jesus as his companion throughout his ministry
There is no biblical evidence that Mary experienced a dramatic stoning and rescue or that she accompanied Jesus throughout his years of preaching. The legends about her adultery and romantic love for Jesus emerged later.
Is the portrayal of Jesus biblical?
Jesus’s portrayal in The Thorn contains some biblical accuracy but also adds dramatic elements not found in the gospels:
- Jesus is shown preaching, healing, and performing miracles, as described in the gospels.
- He demonstrates love, compassion, and forgiveness towards outcasts like Mary Magdalene.
- The film depicts his betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection.
However, fictionalized scenes in the film stray from scripture:
- Jesus directly intervening to miraculously save Mary from being stoned
- Intense displays of supernatural power not described in gospels
- Overly familiar relationship and hint of romance with Mary
The gospels do not contain any account of Jesus encountering Mary Magdalene prior to his ministry or sharing a special romantic bond with her. His miracles and teachings are presented more soberly than the dramatized displays in The Thorn.
Use of apocryphal/extra-biblical sources
The Thorn draws from several apocryphal and extra-biblical sources in its portrayal of Mary Magdalene and Jesus:
- The Second Gospel of James – Mary’s stoning for adultery
- The Gospel of Mary – Early life with Jesus, romantic feelings
- The Gospel of Thomas – Sayings of Jesus not found in the Bible
- The Gospel of Philip – Intimate relationship with Jesus suggested
While these texts provide intriguing legends, they were not considered authoritative or included in the biblical canon. Evangelical scholars caution that they may contain inauthentic and historically inaccurate accounts.
Apocryphal Accounts of Mary Magdalene
| Text | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Second Gospel of James | Mary stoned for adultery but saved by Jesus |
| Gospel of Mary | Early close relationship with Jesus, hints of romance |
| Gospel of Philip | Suggests intimate relationship with Jesus |
Perspectives on the film’s accuracy
Christian experts and reviewers have differing perspectives on the biblical accuracy of The Thorn:
Positive Perspectives
- Film brings the essence of Jesus’s love and redemption to life.
- Story could have happened even if not biblical.
- Captures the emotion and importance of Mary’s close connection to Jesus.
- Themes of repentance, forgiveness, and hope are biblically sound.
Critical Perspectives
- Events like stoning and rescue are completely fictionalized.
- Portrayal of relationship between Mary and Jesus is unbiblical.
- Film relies too heavily on apocryphal texts rather than scripture.
- Dramatized miracles and power displays do not match gospel accounts.
Conclusion
In summary, The Thorn contains some biblically accurate elements but takes significant creative license in its portrayal of Mary Magdalene and Jesus. While the themes of salvation, hope, and redemption reflect the Bible’s message, the plot includes fictionalized events and legends from extra-biblical sources. Viewers should appreciate the film’s emotional power but also discern that it is not a strictly factual depiction of the biblical narrative.
Evangelical Christian experts caution that The Thorn’s portrayal at times contradicts the accounts provided in the gospels. However, some Christians still find value in the way the film brings Jesus’s love and grace to life. There is debate around whether taking artistic license with biblical stories ultimately undermines or reinforces Christian belief. Viewers must examine the movie with discernment and compare its narrative to what Scripture reveals about these beloved biblical figures.