Christian Boylove Forum

Regarding Morton Smith's discovery


Submitted by Bonzo on April 03 2000 13:46:19
In reply to Jesus' Boylove submitted by David on March 31 2000 16:55:11

Hi David --

Below is a link to a web site that has several further links regarding Morton Smith's discovery. You'll find a wealth of scholarly opinion through these links.

Summarizing briefly: a majority of scholars regard the discovery as a genuine letter from Clement of Alexandria, while a few regard it as bogus. I've studied the evidence myself, and I'm also inclined to accept the letter as genuinely by Clement.

If the letter is genuine, of course, the implications for biblical scholarship are profound. At this point, it's best to avoid firm conclusions. But one can surely speculate about such topics as
  • the origins of Mark's Gospel

  • the identity of the youth mentioned (Mark? or Lazarus? or "the disciple Jesus loved" mentioned several times in John's Gospel?)

  • the extent of the relationship the youth had with Jesus
Obviously, one must try to keep one's speculations informed rather than merely fanciful. At the same time, it is to be regretted that many biblical scholars are uncomfortable with such speculation, and so continue to pretend that the letter doesn't exist.

A fascinating topic!

-- Bonzo
  • The Secret Gospel of Mark Homepage


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