Hi Marcus; Ryan Anderson here. Hope you are doing well.
There are several reasons why this papyrus is not a threat to what the Bible teaches about Jesus.
I'm curious about this. I don't recall anything in the original 4 gospels (or acts, Pauls stuff and the rest) definitively saying Jesus was not married. I recall you arguing from ignorance for Peleg, so why is it ok to not argue from ignorance (well, given this papyraus, it wouldn't be "ignorance" any more, it would be evidence) for Jesus being married.
more importantly, what is the theological problem with Jesus being married? If we assume there is nothing in scripture that says Jesus was not married (for arguments sake) then simply, what's the problem? Moreover, if there is a problem, how does that affect Christians idealization of the "sancticy of marriage"?
I have actually posted another blog post with more information on why many experts consider this papyrus a forgery (including how the papyrus does not have First century roots)
For me, I don't see much of a theological problem with Jesus being married. I think the problem is that there is no reason to give the papyrus any weight. As for what it means for marriage, Jesus being married does not make marriage less precious at all. I just don't see any good evidence to argue that Jesus was married.
Hi Marcus; Ryan Anderson here. Hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteThere are several reasons why this papyrus is not a threat to what the Bible teaches about Jesus.
I'm curious about this. I don't recall anything in the original 4 gospels (or acts, Pauls stuff and the rest) definitively saying Jesus was not married. I recall you arguing from ignorance for Peleg, so why is it ok to not argue from ignorance (well, given this papyraus, it wouldn't be "ignorance" any more, it would be evidence) for Jesus being married.
more importantly, what is the theological problem with Jesus being married? If we assume there is nothing in scripture that says Jesus was not married (for arguments sake) then simply, what's the problem? Moreover, if there is a problem, how does that affect Christians idealization of the "sancticy of marriage"?
Looking forward to your thoughts.
I have actually posted another blog post with more information on why many experts consider this papyrus a forgery (including how the papyrus does not have First century roots)
ReplyDeleteFistbump of the Day: Yes, We Are Still Fighting Gnosticism
For me, I don't see much of a theological problem with Jesus being married. I think the problem is that there is no reason to give the papyrus any weight. As for what it means for marriage, Jesus being married does not make marriage less precious at all. I just don't see any good evidence to argue that Jesus was married.