Watch The Gospel of Jesus's Wife
- TV-PG
- 2014
- 1 Season
-
7.0 (37)
The Gospel of Jesus's Wife is a fascinating documentary produced by the Smithsonian Channel that investigates the authenticity of a tiny scrap of papyrus that could change our understanding of Christianity. The show premiered in 2012 and features interviews with experts in the field of biblical studies, including Harvard professor Karen King, Egyptologist Roger Bagnall, and actor Corey Johnson, who narrates the program.
At the center of the program is the so-called "Gospel of Jesus's Wife," a small fragment of papyrus that appears to contain a reference to Jesus having "a wife." The discovery of the papyrus caused a media sensation when it was unveiled in 2012, and the implications of the finding are still being debated today.
Throughout the program, viewers are taken on a journey of discovery that begins with the initial discovery of the fragment by an anonymous collector in 1983. From there, the program explores the history of early Christianity and the ways in which the role of women in the early church has been downplayed or even erased entirely. The program also looks at the ways in which early Christians interpreted and reinterpreted the teachings of Jesus in order to fit their own political and social agendas.
The show is careful to examine both the evidence for and against the authenticity of the Gospel of Jesus's Wife. On one hand, the papyrus has been subjected to a battery of scientific tests that suggest it is indeed an ancient artifact. On the other hand, scholars have pointed to various inconsistencies and flaws in the text that suggest it might be a forgery.
Despite the controversy surrounding the papyrus, the program does an excellent job of presenting the various arguments and perspectives in a balanced and engaging way. Viewers are left to draw their own conclusions about the authenticity of the fragment, as well as its potential implications for the history of Christianity.
Along the way, viewers are treated to stunning footage of archaeological sites in Egypt and Rome, as well as interviews with prominent scholars and experts in the field of biblical studies. The program also features animated reconstructions of key events in the history of Christianity, such as the Council of Nicaea and the writing of the Gospels.
Overall, The Gospel of Jesus's Wife is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of a topic that is sure to interest anyone with an interest in the history of Christianity, archaeology, or biblical studies. The program is well researched, well produced, and full of fascinating insights and information. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this program is sure to challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of one of the world's most influential faiths.