I will now summarize several different positions by some writers who concur with each other in concluding that the Beloved Disciple was a woman and that a woman was also the author of the first 20 chapters of the Fourth Gospel, and who differ with each other on what influences shaped the Fourth Gospel and on the identity of the women who they believe was the Beloved Disciple and the author of the Fourth Gospel. Ramon K. Jusino , since early in 1998, has been arguing publicly that Mary Magdelene was both the Beloved Disciple and the voice behind the Fourth Gospel. Thomas W. Butler argues that Mary of Bethany was both the Beloved Disciple and the voice behind the Fourth Gospel. Sandra M. Schneider 's argument is more open-ended, and explores a variety of possibilities. This significance is evident both in the number of stories in which women appear and in the theological importance of those stories.
Christian communities makes clear that women had very active leadership roles in some churches.
You are welcome to share your research and conclusions with the BibleTexts website. Regardless of the issue of authorship, there is much that is very special about the Fourth Gospel. This may be due to the writing of the Gospel of John representing a source with more intimate familiarity with the life and ministry and thinking of Christ Jesus. This is my current conclusion.