The Duke University Connection and the Anti-Q Movement: A Conspiracy?

Mark Goodacre and His Crusade Against Q

I don't generally accept conspiracy theories. That's one of the reasons I think the Letter to Theodore is authentic. But let's pretend anyway and have fun.  Mark Goodacre has been a prominent figure in the Department of Religious Studies at Duke University since 2005 and became a professor in 2013. Known for his vocal opposition to the Q source hypothesis, Goodacre has dedicated a significant portion of his academic career to this cause. The Q hypothesis suggests that a lost source, referred to as "Q," was used by both Matthew and Luke in composing their Gospels, a theory that Goodacre vehemently opposes. His efforts in promoting the Farrer theory, which argues that Luke used Matthew directly, have made him a central figure in this debate.

The Duke University Conspiracy Theory

The idea that Duke University is the epicenter of an anti-gay, anti-Morton Smith conspiracy theory is intriguing. Morton Smith, a scholar who discovered the controversial Secret Gospel of Mark at the Mar Saba Monastery, has been a contentious figure, with some scholars questioning the authenticity of his find. The alleged conspiracy ties into Duke University's historical stance on gay rights and the personal animosities against Smith.

The Players in the Alleged Conspiracy

Ken Olson

Ken Olson, another advocate for the Farrer theory, has been described as a devoted follower of Mark Goodacre's work. Olson's blog openly praises Goodacre, highlighting his influence in the anti-Q movement. This relationship has been perceived by some as overly sycophantic, a term that newer generations might refer to as "meatriding," according to Urban Dictionary.

Stephen Carlson

Stephen Carlson, whose dissertation at Duke was supervised by Mark Goodacre, published a book that is considered dated by some critics. Carlson's work, seen as aligned with Goodacre's mission against Q, further fuels the perception of an orchestrated campaign against the Q hypothesis and Morton Smith.

Bart Ehrman

Bart Ehrman, with his dual connections to Duke University—first as a Visiting Assistant Professor in 1991 and later as an Adjunct Professor since 2000—adds weight to the speculation. Ehrman, a prominent New Testament scholar, also has personal ties to Duke through his wife, who teaches there in a different field. Ehrman's influence and connections further entrench the idea of a coordinated stance against Morton Smith's findings.

Coincidence or Conspiracy?

The recurring theme of Duke University scholars being at the forefront of the anti-Q and anti-Morton Smith movements raises questions. While it might be easy to label these connections as mere coincidence, the concentrated effort and mutual reinforcement among these academics suggest otherwise. The intertwining of personal relationships, professional collaborations, and shared academic missions paints a picture that is hard to ignore.

Conclusion

Whether the Duke University connection behind the anti-gay, anti-Morton Smith conspiracy theory is real or a product of coincidental alignments, it certainly provides fodder for speculation. The concentrated effort to discredit Q and Morton Smith's work from a single academic institution is noteworthy. The debates within the field of religious studies are far from settled, and the influence of these key players will likely continue to shape the discourse for years to come.