Friday, April 11, 2014

Veeeeeeery interesting


This is pretty interesting:  It seems that a papayrus fragment (early writing paper) that was discovered in 2012 and has become known as "The Gospel of Jesus's Wife" is likely real and not a modern day forgery.  

Researchers at Colombia, Harvard, and MIT (and The National Enquirer?) did their fancy-pants analysis and said it was almost certainly part of an ancient manuscript that wasn't edited or tampered with.  

The papyrus, ink, etc was all genuinely ancient and not a modern reproduction.  On it is supposedly written, "Jesus said to them, 'My wife....'." and goes on to say, "She will be able to be my disciple...".

I'm sure women's groups are ecstatic, reminding everyone of the old saying, "Behind every good man is a good woman" and saying this should open the door for women to become priests.

And atheists are probably stirring the pot, too, suggesting that Jesus might have just been a guy looking for an excuse to get away from the Mrs, the in-laws, taking out the trash, etc.


I'm thinking this will eventually just go into that "unsolved" file along with the Shroud of Turin and that supposedly divine piece of toast that looked like Jesus.

I doubt it will change many minds.  Carry on.  :)

S


10 comments:

  1. As with The da Vinci Code I don't see the problem with Jesus having a wife. The whole notion that he couldn't have a wife was invented by the Catholic Church; I doubt you could find any Bible verses in the New Testament where he claims he can't have a wife or get laid. Now I want to watch "Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter."

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  2. Turns out that is actually Mrs. Cranky's latest grocery list! Mystery solved.

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  3. You're right; it probably won't change many minds. I find it interesting how religions minimize the importance of women when it's women who are often responsible for making these religions successful. Women were among the first followers of Jesus. And the Council of Nicaea decided to eliminate all gospels written by women, including one by Mary Magdalen (who was NOT a prostitute). Muhammad received critical support from his first wife who was the wealthy owner of several caravans. I, for one, have no problem with Jesus being married. In fact, I believe this would make His sacrifice even greater.

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  4. I find the whole thing very fascinating - wouldn't it be great it if would turn the whole paternalistic church on its head? I'm feeling smug here as part of the Episcopal church with our female bishop :)

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    1. And there's no reason why you shouldn't, Dana. :)

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  5. It has been discussed for a very long time. Nothing new and it will be discussed for a very long time.

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  6. Interesting information, but, really, it shouldn't change anything about the Christian faith.

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