... But by the same token, it is tempting for anyone wishing to make their own point to exploit this rediscovery idea, either by interpreting new finds in devious or subversive ways, or else by inventing fake ancient texts. These themes, of false interpretation and forgery, account for a large part of the popular writing about rediscovered texts, and have long played a potent role in mainstream popular culture. Sad to say, for the average non-expert “intelligent reader,” this is often the means by which rediscovered texts are understood.Incidentally, Prof. Jenkins argues that the very idea of the Secret Gospel of Mark fragment being genuine is risible.In this post, I will discuss the “forged and fake” theme in that popular culture, and the tradition goes back a long way. Nineteenth century discoveries deeply concerned conservative believers, who dreaded the possible discovery of yet other new texts that could still further undermine orthodox faith. What else was still out there, waiting to be found? ...
Earlier posts in this series are noted here, here, and here.
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