The Final Chapter of Morton Smith's Legacy

Chapter Ten of Brett Landau and Geoffrey Smith's The Secret Gospel of Mark: A Controversial Scholar, a Scandalous Gospel, and the Fierce Debate Over Its Authenticity provides a poignant and detailed exploration of Morton Smith's final years and the enduring controversy surrounding his most famous discovery. This chapter not only reflects on Smith's personal struggles and scholarly contributions but also delves into the broader implications of the Letter to Theodore and the Secret Gospel of Mark.

Morton Smith's Final Years

In his later years, Morton Smith shifted his scholarly focus from Jesus to the apostle Paul, working on a monograph titled Paul the Possessed. Unfortunately, this book was never published, and little is known about its contents. By 1990, Smith's health had significantly declined, suffering from ailments such as painful shingles. His chronic pain made it increasingly difficult to engage in his beloved research and writing. Despite his declining health, Smith continued to mentor graduate students, who visited him regularly to assist with research. However, by the summer of 1991, these visits had turned into wellness checks. On July 11, 1991, Morton Smith was found unresponsive in his apartment. Although his obituary listed heart failure as the cause of death, it was later revealed that Smith had taken a cocktail of prescription medications recommended by the Hemlock Society, a right-to-die organization. Smith's decision to end his life was rational and deliberate, rooted in his long-held belief that individuals have the right to die with dignity.

A Life Devoted to Scholarship

Smith's apartment at the time of his death reflected his deep commitment to scholarship. Bookshelves lined the hallways, surrounded his modest bed, and even filled his kitchen cabinets and oven. This transformation of his living space into a library underscored his dedication to the study of antiquity.

Despite his significant contributions to the field, including seven books, over one hundred articles, and his controversial discovery at Mar Saba, Smith's obituary highlighted the Letter to Theodore and the Secret Gospel of Mark as his most notable achievements. While his work sparked considerable debate, those who knew Smith well never suspected him of forgery. His colleagues and students consistently described him as a passionate and dedicated scholar committed to uncovering the truth about the past.

The Controversy and Missteps

The controversy surrounding Smith's discovery was fueled by several factors. Smith's provocative presentations and bold claims about the Secret Gospel's antiquity and interpretation provoked many scholars. His interpretation of Jesus's encounter with the young man as a mystical, baptismal ritual was seen as implausible by many, leading some to suspect the text as modern. Additionally, Smith's failure to seriously consider A. D. Nock's suggestion that the manuscript might be a late antique apocryphon further complicated the scholarly reception of his work.

Despite these controversies, Smith's dedication to the text was evident. He spent years interpreting the manuscript, presenting his findings at conferences, and publishing extensively on the topic. This commitment makes it unlikely that he forged the manuscript, as he would have had no reason to devote so much effort to a document he had fabricated.

A Plausible Context for the Letter to Theodore

Landau and Smith argue that the authenticity of the Letter to Theodore and the Secret Gospel of Mark can be best understood by situating them within the context of late antique Palestinian monasticism. They propose that a monk living in this period, perhaps even within the walls of Mar Saba, composed the Letter to Theodore to provide scriptural justification for same-sex monastic partnerships. This interpretation aligns with the known practices and controversies of the time and offers a plausible origin for the text.

The authors emphasize that their goal is not to definitively solve the Mar Saba mystery but to refocus the debate on the available evidence and encourage further research into the text's origins and significance. They call for greater access to the manuscript, currently believed to be housed in the Patriarchal Library in Jerusalem, and suggest scientific tests to determine the age and composition of the ink.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Inquiry

In conclusion, Chapter Ten reflects on Morton Smith's enduring legacy as a scholar and the ongoing debate over the authenticity of the Letter to Theodore and the Secret Gospel of Mark. Smith's life's work, characterized by his deep commitment to scholarship and his willingness to challenge established norms, continues to inspire and provoke discussion. The chapter serves as a call to action for scholars to further investigate the text within its historical context and to seek new insights into the rich heritage of Greek Orthodox literature.