The Secret Gospel of Mark: A Controversial Scholar, a Scandalous Gospel of Jesus, and the Fierce Debate over Its Authenticity

Morton Smith claimed to have discovered a letter written by Clement of Alexandria containing an excerpt from a previously unknown version of the Gospel of Mark, but recent research alleges that the manuscript is a modern forgery created by Smith himself. Geoffrey S. Smith and Brent C. Landau argue that the Secret Gospel of Mark is intimately bound up with the history of Mar Saba, one of the oldest monasteries in the Christian world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

A groundbreaking exploration into the enigmatic Secret Gospel of Mark, one of the most fiercely debated documents in Christian history. In 1958, Columbia University scholar Morton Smith made a remarkable claim at the ancient Christian monastery of Mar Saba, situated just outside Jerusalem. He asserted that he had uncovered a letter penned by the Christian philosopher Clement of Alexandria, which contained an excerpt from a previously unknown version of the canonical Gospel of Mark. This excerpt depicted a purported sexual encounter between Jesus and a young, resurrected disciple. However, in recent years, a influential group of researchers has argued that no such Secret Gospel or letter of Clement existed in antiquity, and that the manuscript that Smith purportedly discovered was a modern forgery, crafted solely by Smith himself.

In this captivating book, Geoffrey S. Smith and Brent C. Landau delve into the controversy surrounding this document, challenging the prevailing notions that it represents a first-century alternative gospel or a twentieth-century fabrication by Smith. Instead, they propose a different perspective, suggesting that the Secret Gospel of Mark is intricately linked with the history of Mar Saba, one of the oldest monasteries in the Christian world. Through meticulous research and analysis, Smith and Landau present a comprehensive account of the realities and misconceptions surrounding not only the now-lost manuscript but also its enigmatic and acerbic discoverer, Morton Smith.

The Secret Gospel of Mark has captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike for decades, with its enigmatic content and controversial origins. In this book, Smith and Landau shed light on the historical context, literary influences, and theological implications of this remarkable document, providing a fresh perspective on its significance in the study of Christian history and literature. Whether you are an expert in the field or a newcomer seeking to understand the complexities of this enigmatic text, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of Christian spirituality and tradition.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300254938