Ancient papyrus fragment refers to Jesus' 'wife'. A papyrus fragment from the fourth century contains eight lines written in Coptic, including the clause: "Jesus said to them, 'My wife'" and a second clause: "she will be able to be my disciple." This is all over the news. Here we go again. Thoughts? Edited to add link to another article: A Faded Piece of Papyrus Refers to Jesus' Wife
Today, Fr. Jonathan (The Conciliar Anglican) posted this article entitled, The Significance of the “Gospel of Jesus’ Wife”.
I've seen this article mentioned in the news. Yep, another pseudo-epigraphic work that's latched on to by modern unbelievers to bring down Christianity. It's not even that unique, I don't know why people are latching on to it. Isn't there a Gospel of Mary where she's described as wife? Or is it Gospel of Judas? There's a bunch of heretical gnostic writings from 2-3rd centuries that ascribe all kinds of falsehoods to Christ. Meanwhile, of course, we have Christian writings from the 1st and 2nd centuries that never mention such a thing. Which are we to choose, hmmm?
Gnostics LOL This link is awesome. In fact, the entire blog is awesome. Gnostic speculation was trendy 4 or 5 years ago. Looks like some clowns just wanted to stir things up again. The News is a joke and is highly anti-Christian. As far as the fragment is concerned, it's just the usual Gnostic drivel that will only be accepted by ultrafringe loons. But the coverage is anti-intellectual, frenzied, and pathetic.
Anglican74, You are right. There are many heretical "gospels" and writings out there. The gnostic gospels contain references to Jesus having a wife and far more scandalous things. So, I don't know why this papyrus is causing such a stir. Sometimes, I think the shock factor speaks to the fact that many Christians are unaware of the history of Christianity; and the history of the Biblical Canon, which was assembled through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Heresy sprang up quickly, as we know from the New Testament writings. So, this is nothing new. Also, I think people have trouble separating fact from fiction. I remember all the stir caused by Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. It was a novel, a work of fiction. Yet, people latched onto it "hook line and sinker."
Once again, let me recommend the following reference by a great Christian scholar. Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Canon of Scripture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Scottish Monk, Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't read any books lately on the Canon. I may need to resume my studies in this area.