Karen L. King is the Hollis Research Professor of Divinity, Harvard University’s oldest endowed professorship (1721), and is the first woman to hold this chair. Trained in comparative religions and historical studies, she pursues teaching and research specialties in the history of Christianity. Her particular interests are in orthodoxy and heresy, gender studies, and martyrdom. Publications include What is Gnosticism?; The Gospel of Mary of Magdala; and The Secret Revelation of John. She is currently writing a commentary on The Gospel of Mary.