New "Deep Dive" Podcast Episode 21: Smith and Landau's The Secret Gospel of Mark: A Controversial Scholar, a Scandalous Gospel of Jesus, and the Fierce Debate over Its Authenticity (Part Three)

Podcast 21

Summary 

This excerpt from "The Secret Gospel of Mark" by Geoffrey Smith and Brent Landau describes the discovery of a purported letter by Clement of Alexandria. The letter contains excerpts from a "Secret Gospel of Mark" which is claimed to be an alternative and longer version of the canonical Gospel of Mark. The book discusses the scholarly vetting of the manuscript and the debate over its authenticity. Smith consulted with numerous experts in ancient Greek handwriting and textual criticism to assess the manuscript's date and authenticity. He also sought the opinions of leading scholars of ancient religion, such as Erwin Goodenough and Arthur Darby Nock, who were skeptical of the manuscript's authenticity but intrigued by its contents. Despite the skepticism, Smith presented his discovery to the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) in 1960, sparking further debate and analysis of the manuscript's historical significance. 

Potential Factors Behind the Creation of a 'Secret Gospel of Mark' 

The sources provide several historical and theological factors that could explain the creation of a 'Secret Gospel of Mark'. It's important to note that these sources discuss a document purported to be a letter from Clement of Alexandria that references and quotes a 'Secret Gospel of Mark', the authenticity of both is debated. Theological Factors: 

● Early Christian Mysticism: The sources point to an "esoteric side" of early Christianity. Clement's letter, if authentic, describes the 'Secret Gospel of Mark' as containing "mystical" teachings meant for those "being made perfect". This suggests a desire for deeper, hidden teachings beyond the standard Gospels. 

● Emphasis on secrecy: Mark's canonical Gospel already hints at a degree of secrecy surrounding Jesus's teachings, with warnings against revealing them to outsiders. The 'Secret Gospel' might be an extension of this, offering more profound knowledge reserved for a select group. 

● Alexandrian Christianity: Clement was a prominent figure in Alexandrian Christianity, which was known for its allegorical interpretation of scripture and philosophical leanings. The 'Secret Gospel', as described by Clement, fits this tradition by offering deeper, symbolic interpretations of events and sayings. Historical Factors: 

● Filling in Gaps: The existence of apocryphal gospels, like the potential 'Secret Gospel of Mark', might stem from a desire to supplement the canonical Gospels with additional information and teachings. Clement's letter mentions the 'Secret Gospel' adding details not found in the canonical version. 

● Competing Christianities: The early church wasn't a monolithic entity. Different groups held varying interpretations of Jesus's life and teachings. The 'Secret Gospel' could represent one group's attempt to express their particular understanding, potentially in opposition to others. The letter mentions the Carpocratians, a group Clement considered heretical, possessing a version of the 'Secret Gospel'. 

It is crucial to emphasize that the authenticity of both Clement's Letter to Theodore and the 'Secret Gospel of Mark' it references is debated. Scholars like Arthur Darby Nock saw the letter as a later creation, possibly from the 4th or 5th century, when apocryphal writings flourished. The sources presented offer intriguing possibilities, but more research is needed to determine the true origins and nature of the 'Secret Gospel of Mark', if it ever existed as an independent text.