Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
Was A Secret Gospel of Mark Discovered?
Aug 27, 2024
Morton Smith, a noted ancient history professor, discusses his groundbreaking discovery of the 'Secret Gospel of Mark.' This controversial text suggests Jesus engaged in homosexual rituals, sparking debate among scholars regarding its authenticity. Smith shares insights on his academic journey and the implications of this find for early Christianity. The conversation delves into the textual interpretations and ongoing scholarly disputes that continue to surround this mysterious gospel, reshaping understandings of the historical Jesus.
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Quick takeaways
- The discovery of the 'Secret Gospel of Mark' by Morton Smith in 1958 sparked intense scholarly debate over its authenticity and implications for early Christianity.
- Content in the alleged secret gospel suggests homoerotic themes involving Jesus and his followers, leading to contrasting interpretations in biblical scholarship.
Deep dives
The Discovery of the Secret Gospel of Mark
In 1958, Morton Smith made a groundbreaking discovery while cataloging a monastery library in Israel: a letter attributed to Clement of Alexandria. This letter contained references to a previously unknown version of the Gospel of Mark, referred to as the 'secret gospel.' Smith's findings suggested that this longer version included passages that hinted at a homoerotic encounter between Jesus and a young man, which sparked significant debate among scholars. The existence of such a text raised questions about the historical interpretations of the New Testament and the documentation of early Christian texts.
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