Jesus was married and had children, claims a professor and a writer who have been studying an ancient manuscript that they say is encoded.
Professor Barrie Wilson and Simcha Jacobovici say that the story of Joseph and his wife Aseneth–which were written in Syriac on vellum–is actually the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, who were married and had children together. The duo are writing a book about the manuscript called The Lost Gospel, which has taken six years to put together.
While the authors say their intention is not to attack or debunk anyone’s belief system, several scholars have dismissed the manuscript as unimportant and others are distancing themselves from the upcoming book, saying there is no proof that Jesus wasn’t crucified as it says in many biblical texts.
“I don’t think that there is any credibility in these claims at all. There is simply no evidence in this text or anywhere else that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, much less that they had a couple of children,” said Professor Mark Goodacre in an interview with Good Morning America.
The controversial book is already making headlines and has caused a wave of discussion on Twitter, where reactions were mixed.
A new book claims Jesus was married with 2 kids.
Upset Christians dismiss it because there's 'no evidence'.
The irony burns so hard.
— Melissa (@MissaMHx) November 10, 2014
Another far fetched "Jesus was married" book from the man who brought us the "Jesus family tomb." #MerryHoaxmas http://t.co/PY9hESoE7r
— Raymond Arroyo (@RaymondArroyo) November 10, 2014
Honestly, Jesus was never married nor had children #plzstop ✋
— Classy Catholic ✝ (@ClassyCatholic) November 10, 2014
Fam, where in the Bible does it say Jesus was married?…guess I missed that part growin up
— Yella (@its_MrYELLA) November 10, 2014