Veritas: a Harvard professor, a con man, and the Gospel of Jesus's Wife

Ariel Sabar's book "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife" explores a controversial discovery of an ancient papyrus fragment that suggests Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. Sabar's investigation into the fragment's origin becomes a true-crime story, culminating in its discovery in a museum in Egypt.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Scribe Publications

From the acclaimed pen of Ariel Sabar comes a captivating and meticulously researched account of a remarkable religious forgery and the scandal that engulfed Harvard University. In 2012, Dr. Karen King, a renowned professor at Harvard Divinity School, made a groundbreaking announcement that reverberated across the world. She had discovered an ancient fragment of papyrus, known as "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife," in which Jesus referred to Mary Magdalene as his wife. This discovery had the potential to upend the 2,000-year history of Christianity, challenging the celibate, all-male priesthood and undermining sacred teachings on marriage, sex, and women's leadership.

As debates raged over the manuscript's authenticity, award-winning journalist Ariel Sabar embarked on a relentless quest to uncover the truth. His investigation became an international true-crime story, as he pieced together the intricate details of the forgery. Through his tireless efforts, Sabar was able to solve the crime and reveal the shocking truth behind the scandal.

The Gospel of Jesus' Wife was a meticulously crafted forgery, created by an unknown individual or group of individuals. The papyrus fragment was discovered in a private collection in Egypt, where it had been passed down for generations. The forgery was so convincing that it fooled experts and scholars, who had spent years studying the original texts of the Bible.

Sabar's investigation uncovered a complex web of lies and deceit, as he traced the origins of the forgery to a small town in Italy. He discovered that the manuscript had been created by a group of religious extremists who were opposed to the teachings of the Catholic Church. They believed that the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene was a crucial part of the Christian faith and wanted to promote their beliefs by creating a false gospel.

The scandal that erupted at Harvard University was immense, as the university's reputation was tarnished by the discovery of the forgery. The university's administration was forced to take action, as they faced mounting pressure from religious leaders, scholars, and the public. They launched an investigation into the matter, which led to the arrest of several individuals involved in the forgery.

The case also brought attention to the issue of religious forgery and the dangers it poses to the integrity of religious texts. It highlighted the need for stricter measures to protect and preserve religious artifacts, as well as the importance of academic research and scrutiny.

In conclusion, the story of the Gospel of Jesus' Wife is a fascinating and cautionary tale. It serves as a reminder of the power of deception and the importance of truth and integrity in our society. Ariel Sabar's meticulous research and unwavering pursuit of the truth have brought to light a scandal that shook Harvard University and the world of academia. This story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of journalism to uncover the truth, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 153 x 232 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913348304