Under the Banner of Love

This research presents the evidence that Mary Magdalene was the 'Beloved Disciple' whose identity is revealed at the foot of the cross. For almost 2,000 years the incorrect naming of the Fourth Gospel as 'The Gospel According to John' has misled its readers. It would be more correct to say 'The Gospel According to John if you believe Irenaeus.' Just as Church Fathers wanted a line of apostolic bishops linked to Peter and Paul, so they wanted the gospels attributed to people who were accepted by the Church. The Fourth Gospel shows that God views the qualifications for a Beloved Disciple differently to the traditional requirements of men. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). The Fourth Gospel has much to reveal to those willing to search it out.