Our Blog

Sacred Scams: Part Two

Faith has inspired some of humanity's most meaningful realizations—but as we witnessed last week, it has also given rise to some of the most audacious deceptions. This week we will unravel more stories that have engrossed and misled the masses and get a greater glimpse into the intersection of faith, power, and the imagination. 

Fables and Fakes

The following examples highlight tales of trickery that have managed to dazzle, arouse controversies, and, in some cases, even influence the course of religious thought.

The Letter of Benen 
Written in the 5th century, the Letter of Benen was a letter written by Benen, better known as Saint Benignus, who was the successor of Saint Patrick as the Bishop of Armagh. Within the lines, Benen provided a first-hand dramatized account of Saint Patrick’s missionary work in Ireland, detailing his teachings, miracles, supernatural events, and interactions with the local pagan chieftains.

Adding to its appeal and value, the letter was initially presented as an ancient and newly discovered artifact. Excitement surged with the discovery of the letter, as it appeared to offer fresh insights about Saint Patrick and early Christianity in Ireland. Nevertheless, experts were skeptical of the letter's validity. Examination of the letter exposed blatant linguistic inconsistencies, confirming their suspicions that the letter was a forgery. 

The Gospel of Barnabas

^{"The Gospel of Barnabas - Frontispiece - Facsimile of Pages 1 and 734 of the Vienna Manuscript" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gospel of Barnabas is a controversial and widely discredited text that has been the subject of much debate and speculation since its discovery. Claiming to be a missing gospel written by Paul’s companion, Barnabas, the written work debuts a version of teachings that glaringly deviates from traditional Christian teachings. 

The gospel appeared to draw heavily on Islamic teachings and themes, claiming that Jesus was not the Son of God, but merely a prophet, and that he foretold the coming of Muhammad-the true Messiah. It further states that Christ taught a strict adherence to the Law of Moses, and rejects the idea of Jesus' crucifixion, stating that Judas Iscariot was crucified in Jesus' place after being miraculously transformed to look like him.

The substantial correlation between the gospel and Islamic beliefs immediately raised questions about the gospel’s authenticity. Speculating that the text was created to either serve as a bridge between Christianity and Islam or assert Islamic superiority, experts got to work. Apart from the clashing message, the use of references to things that had not yet been invented during biblical times and the results of linguistic analysis determining that the text was likely written in Italian or Spanish during the late Middle Ages permitted experts to confidently debunk the text as nothing more than something designed to validate Islamic beliefs.

Even so, it has been used to support arguments that Christian Gospels were corrupted over time, and early Christianity was actually more in line with Islamic teachings. Others have used it to promote interfaith dialogue.

The Monkey Christ

^{"Ecce Homo" by Elías García Martínez is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1930, Spanish artist, Elías García Martínez, adorned the wall of the Sanctuary of Mercy church with a fresco (type of painting) depicting Christ wearing a crown of thorns. Titled Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), the painting was cherished by the local community. 

Unfortunately, time alongside excess moisture in the walls caused the artwork to deteriorate. By 2012, the severity of the damage had become critical. Donors contributed money for the restoration of the mural, including Martínez’s granddaughter. Yet, prior to collecting full funding, the painting had been seemingly defaced. 

The transformation is so drastic that it appears as if someone has intentionally set out to create a parody. The once fine and mournful visage has been replaced by broad, crude strokes. Almost cartoonish in its simplicity, gone are the gentle contours of Christ’s face that once captured the delicate play of light and shadow. Instead, there is a heavy, flat, careless application of a muddled array of gray and brown paint. His delicate mouth was modified to a thick sloping line stretching from cheek to cheek and the once-painted cascade of dark locks now resembles a smudged mass. 

The act, which authorities initially attributed to vandalism, was revealed to be the well-meaning restoration attempt of Cecilia Giménez, an 81-year-old parishioner. Saddened by the art’s continued pathetic state, Giménez took it upon herself to fix it. Defending herself, she rationalized that the clergymen and priest were aware of what she had been doing and that the painting had not been completed.

It didn’t take long for the botched restoration to become a viral sensation. Jokes and memes earned the painting the nickname Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey). 

Despite the initial shock and embarrassment, as visitors across the flocked to see the painting, the “Monkey Christ” became an economic benefit for the small Spanish town.

The Mar Saba Letter/Secret Gospel of Mark

^{"Letter of Clement to Theodore" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1958, Columbia University professor Morton Smith announced that during his visit to the library within the Mar Saba monastery (located southeast of Jerusalem) he discovered a letter written in the final pages of a 17th-century book. 

Penned by Clement of Alexandria, an ancient Christian theologian and Greek Philosopher, the contents of the letter address concerns about a provocative written work referred to as the “Secret Gospel of Mark.” Clement explained that this version of Mark was more spiritual and deeper, and intended for advanced Christians. Reportedly used throughout Alexandrian churches, Clement shared direct quotes from the secret gospel to describe additional accounts that offer greater insights into Christ’s teachings and His relationship with His disciples. 

Quickly gaining notoriety, one particular passage became the subject of a heated debate. The passage describes an account where Christ raised a young man from the dead, after which the young man "looked upon him, loved him, and began to beg him that he might be with him." Though widely contested, this, coupled with a separate reference to a "carpenter's son" initiation rite, provoked suggestions that the secret gospel conveys a more intimate relationship between Christ and His disciples. 

Since its reception, experts have remained divided on the letter’s legitimacy. Some believe the letter is a forgery Smith cooked up as some kind of joke, while others accepted the letter as a valuable manuscript that could provide a glimpse into the diversity of Christianity. However, the possibility of an official verdict has come to a standstill. Due to various complications and its subsequent misplacement, the letter never underwent any testing. Later colorized photographs that Smith took of the letter are the only evidence that remains of its existence.

Real or not, the letter has fueled discussions that explore the idea that Christian teachings may have been reserved for a more spiritually mature audience, the existence of beliefs and practices that were later abandoned, and the potential of the deliberate removal and suppression of early Christian texts. 

The Gabriel Stone

^{"Gabriel's Stone" by Talmoryair is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gabriel Stone is a large stone tablet reportedly discovered near the Dead Sea in the early 2000s. Dating back to the late first century BCE or early first century CE, it features an inscription written in Hebrew that appears to recount a vision delivered by the archangel Gabriel. Within its 87 lines of text, it references “the Prince of Princes” and the command to “arise” after “three days.” 

The Gabriel Stone has generated a range of interpretations, particularly regarding its potential implications for early Judaism and Christianity. Particularly, some consider the cryptic references alluding to a figure who is expected to rise from the dead, drawing parallels to the resurrection of Christ as described in the New Testament.

However, the stone’s poor condition has caused the lettering to become fragmented. The incomplete message renders the text to be too ambiguous and speculative, leaving experts to caution against making any definitive assumptions. Still, unable to draw firm conclusions, the stone's precise significance and meaning are still debated today. 

Wrapping Up

Drawing attention to the ever-present tension between truth and belief, the stories we’ve shared over the last two weeks serve as cautionary tales.  Clearly, the allure of the enigmata surrounding religion makes fertile ground for deception. Inasmuch, they remind us to critically approach extraordinary claims, while simultaneously denoting our responsibility to safeguard God’s truth. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Sacred Scams: Part One

Throughout time, religion has been a powerful force, inspiring countless acts of faith, devotion, and sometimes... a little mischief. Whether it be mysterious relics or outlandish claims of divine intervention, the line between belief and deception can sometimes be distorted. Today we will explore some of the most curious and perplexing religious hoaxes that intertwine truth and fiction. 

Faith Meets Fraud

From fabricated relics to imaginative forgeries, the world of religious hoaxes is a curious blend of mystery, humor, and intrigue. Although religion and faith are inherently the search for truth, history shows that not everything is as it seems. 

The Shroud of Turin

^{"Full-length negatives of the Shroud of Turin" by Giuseppe Enrie, 1931. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

First documented in the 14th century, the Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot, centuries-old linen cloth that has sparked considerable debate among scientists, historians, and theologians alike. Bearing a faint image of a man who has experienced severe physical trauma consistent with the injuries described in Christ’s crucifixion, many believe the Shroud to be Christ’s burial cloth. 

In the wake of the mystery surrounding the Shroud, it has been subject to extensive scientific analysis. Radiocarbon testing has determined that the Shroud likely dates back to 1260 through 1390 AD, proposing it is more reasonable to consider it a medieval forgery.  However, these results have been challenged by some researchers who argue that the samples tested may have been contaminated or taken from a later repair patch.

Some researchers assert the image of the man was created by a process that is impossible to replicate by known medieval techniques, contributing to the Shroud’s allure. To date, no overarching consensus about the Shroud’s origin has been reached. 

The Ossuary of James

^{"James Ossuary" by Hanay is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

Discovered in Israel in 2002, and thought to be the first archaeological evidence of Christ’s existence, the Ossuary of James is a simple limestone chest consistent with the typical Jewish burial practices in 1 AD. Used to store the bones of the deceased after decomposition, the Ossuary of James was inscribed with the Aramaic phrase: “Ya’akov bar Yosef achui d’Yeshua,” which translates to “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” If proven to be authentic, it would be tangible evidence of Christ’s brother James, thus establishing direct archaeological evidence of Christ and His family. 

Upon several meticulous examinations that resulted in a seven-year trial, experts revealed that the Ossuary itself was an ancient artifact, yet found the inscription to have been added later. Despite the findings, the court determined there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Ossuary’s current owner had faked the inscription, and the verdict did not conclusively state whether the inscription was authentic; leaving the issue unresolved and many that believe it to be authentic. 

The Cardiff Giant

^{"Cardiff Giant" by Andrew Balet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

^{"The Cardiff Giant" by Ryan Snyder is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

Possibly one of the most elaborate unofficial social experiments executed by a single person, the ‘discovery’ of the Cardiff Giant quickly captivated the public. Following an argument about the literal interpretation of the Bible, atheist George Hull paid special attention to Genesis 6:4 and hired stonecutters to carve a 10-foot-tall gypsum figure that was deliberately made to look weathered and ancient, complete with tool marks to simulate the appearance of an archaeological find. Once completed, the statue was secretly buried on his cousin's farm.  

In October of 1869, a crew of hired workers unearthed the statue while digging a well on the farm. Presented as the fossilized remains of a prehistoric giant, it didn't take long for word of this impressive find to sweep the nation. As thousands of people traveled to Cardiff to witness the giant themselves, Hull’s cousin recognized the value of the giant and began to charge an admittance fee. Observers debated the validity of the statue's origin, with some holding onto the belief that it was a giant akin to those mentioned in the Bible, while others reasoned it was likely a statue crafted by ancient Native Americans. 

Experts were divided on the giant’s legitimacy. Many geologists and archaeologists immediately identified the giant as a counterfeit and even pointed out the inconsistencies in the petrification process and the tool marks on the statue. Less certain, many theologians accepted the giant as confirmation of Biblical records. The deception lasted 2 months before Hull decidedly confessed. 

In an ironic turn of events, a legal dispute erupted over the fraud and a replica of the fraud. The famous P.T. Barnum himself had offered to purchase the statue for $50,000! When his offer had been declined, he even created a plaster copy and showcased it as the ‘original’ Cardiff Giant. The authenticity over which of the two fakes went to court, however, the judge determined that because Hull’s giant was a fake, he had no right to claim exclusive rights to the fraud. Despite the sham, both Hull’s and Barnum’s giants continued to draw crowds. 

The Donation of Constantine

^{"The Donation of Constantine, page 318" from the 9th-century manuscript Historia ecclesiastica by Eusebius of Caesarea is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

For centuries, the Donation of Constantine has been a forgery that has directly impacted the course of history. The Donation of Constantine claimed to be a decree from Constantine after his miraculous conversion to Christianity. It is reported that after Pope Sylvester I healed him of leprosy, Constantine allegedly showed his gratitude by granting the Pope dominion over Rome, Italy, and the entire Western Roman Empire. Beyond securing political power equivalent to those of royalty, the decree also declared the Pope to be the spiritual and temporal head of all Christianity, placing the papacy above all secular rulers in matters of both church and state.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church utilized the Donation of Constantine to assert and maintain power across Europe. However, during the Renaissance, the legitimacy of the Donation of Constantine underwent significant scrutiny. An Italian scholar, Lorenzo Valla, challenged the document’s admissibility and conducted a detailed analysis of its language, historical context and accuracy, and its overall content. In 1440, Valla published his work that convincingly indicated that the Donation of Constantine was, in fact, a forgery. 

Initially, the Roman Catholic Church was able to suppress Valla’s findings, but they gradually spread and gained acceptance among scholars and political leaders. The balance of power in Europe experienced a dramatic reform, and the criticism over the corruption strongly supported the Protestant Reformation. 

The Priory of Sion

^{"Prieuré de Sion logo" by Pierre Plantard is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

During the 1960s, the revelation of a secret society founded in the 11th century, the Priory of Sion, quickly captured the imaginations of conspiracy theorists, historians, and the general public alike. The society’s ancient history declared it was established in 1099 by Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade, and bore the responsibility of protecting the classified identities of Christ’s and Mary Magdalene’s living descendants. 

Bolstering the validity of the society was a series of documents, known as the Dossiers Secrets, which was stored away in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. The Dossiers Secrets disclosed a prestigious lineup of the society’s former leaders, including Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, and Victor Hugo. 

In 1967, the publication of The Gold of Rennes (also known as The Accursed Treasure of Rennes-le-Château) by Gérard de Sède made a connection of the Priory of Sion to the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château in France. However, the Priory of Sion eluded mainstream awareness until 1982 with the release of the book The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. Marketed as non-fiction, the book was an international hit that suggested the society had been guarding Christ’s and Magdalene’s bloodlines and had been working behind the scenes to restore the descendants to power. Inspired by The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, Dan Brown released his book, The Da Vinci Code in 2003, which indicates that the Catholic Church had suppressed the true story of Christ’s descendants and the Priory of Sion was at the center of the conspiracy. 

Despite the society’s global popularity, the Priory of Sion was nothing more than a fabrication that had become sensationalized through a blending of historical facts, conspiracy theories, and religious mysteries. The origins of the society have been traced back to a man named Pierre Plantard. Plantard and his associates Philippe de Chérisey and Gérard de Sède, concocted an elaborate story about the Priory of Sion’s roots, wrote and submitted the Dossiers Secrets to the Bibliothèque Nationale, and watched as their story took on a life of its own. 

The Jesus' Wife Papyrus

^{"Gospel of Jesus' Wife" by Karen L. King is licensed under CC BY 3.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Jesus' Wife Papyrus is a small fragment of an ancient papyrus scroll that was publicly revealed in 2012. With a mere 8 lines of text, written in an ancient Egyptian language, Coptic, a controversial debate about the details of Christ’s mortal life was birthed. The dispute centered around two provocative lines that read, "Jesus said to them, 'My wife...,'" and, "She will be able to be my disciple." The bold suggestion that Jesus may have had a wife harbored various implications. 

Although speculation about the snippet being concrete evidence unfolded, from the onset it also faced considerable skepticism. Questions arose about the papyrus's provenance, as its owner remained anonymous, and there was no clear record of where or when it was discovered. 

As debate over the fragment intensified, various scientific and linguistic tests were conducted to determine its authenticity. Initial testing signified the papyrus and ink were potentially ancient, lending some credence to the idea that the fragment could be genuine. But results were found inconclusive, and grammatical inconsistencies continued to weigh on experts. 

A journalist named Ariel Sabar was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. In 2016, Sabar published his work. Having tracked down the fragment's owner, the details of his work heavily alluded that it was likely a forgery. He discovered the owner, Walter Fritz, had a history of involvement with fraudulent activities, particularly within the realm of dubious antiquities. 

Albeit the papyrus has not officially been proven to be bogus, the general consensus decisively perceives it to be fake. 

The Letter of Lentulus

^{"Letter of Lentulus" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Letter of Lentulus is a text that purports to describe the physical appearance of Christ. Supposedly written by a Roman official named Publius Lentulus, who was said to be a predecessor to Pontius Pilate, the letter provides a detailed and idealized portrait of Jesus, that emphasizes His divine nature and remarkable presence. 

Using the 15th-century manuscript, Dr. Cora E. Lutz translated the letter into English as follows:

"Lentulus, to the Senate and the Roman People, greetings.

There has appeared in these times, and, indeed, is still living, a man of great power named Christ Jesus, who is said by the Gentiles to be the prophet of truth, but his disciples call him the Son of God. He raises the dead and heals all diseases. He is a man of average size and pleasing appearance, having a countenance that commands respect, which those who behold may love or fear. He has hair the color of an unripe hazelnut, smooth almost to the ears, but below his ears curling and rather darker and more shining, hanging over his shoulders, and having a parting in the middle of his head according to the fashion of the Nazarenes. His brow is smooth and quite serene; his face is without wrinkle or blemish, and a slight ruddiness makes it handsome. No fault can be found with his nose and mouth; he has a full beard of the color of his hair, not long but divided in two at the chin. His facial expression is guileless and mature; his eyes are greyish and clear. In his rebukes he is terrible, but in his admonitions he is gentle and kind; he is cheerful, but always maintains his dignity. At times he has wept, but he has never laughed. In stature he is tall and erect and his hands and arms are fine to behold. His speech is grave, reserved, and temperate, so that he is rightly called by the prophet, "Fairer than the sons of men." "(Psalm 45:2).” Cora Lutz. "  The Letter of Lentulus Describing Christ." The Yale University Gazette. Vol. 50, Issue 2, 1975. pp. 91-97.

Beyond describing Christ’s physical appearance, the letter was used to aid the credibility of Christ’s existence and His divinity. It also influenced Medieval and Renaissance art as depictions of Christ began to feature the physical characteristics described in the letter. 

However, based on the letters first documentation being centuries after Biblical times, the inability to find evidence that confirms the existence of Publius Lentulus or any known historical Roman roles fitting his described position,  the use of language and style of the writing aligning closer to the literary conventions of medieval Christian texts, and the absence of a physical description among the earliest Christian texts, experts debunk the letter, concluding it is nothing more than a forgery. 

Final Thoughts 

Captivating believers and skeptics alike, these hoaxes prove that sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction. Whether crafted with good intentions, for profit, or just as a playful prank, these stories remind us that it’s important to keep a discerning eye.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Faith-Focused Beginnings: Traditions for a New School Year

As the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time for families to come together and establish meaningful traditions that incorporate faith into their daily lives. These back-to-school traditions aim to create lasting memories while setting a positive and spiritual foundation for students as they embark on the new year. These practices nurture faith, strengthen family unity, and ensure that God's presence remains central throughout the school year. 

Set a Faith-Filled Tone for the Year Ahead

Prayerful Breakfast: 
Plan a family breakfast with a focus on prayer.

• Prepare a special meal together.
• Each family member shares their hopes and prayers for the school year.
• A parent or guardian leads a group prayer.

Benefits: Strengthens family bonds and sets a spiritual foundation for the year.

Scripture Cards:
Create and exchange scripture cards with encouraging Bible verses.

• Spend an evening as a family creating colorful cards with Bible verses.
• Write personalized messages on each card.
• Exchange cards on the first day of school or include them in lunchboxes throughout the year.

Benefits: Offers daily encouragement and strengthens faith.

Print these to help you get started! 

Family Devotional:
Set aside a night for a family devotional focused on the new school year.

• Choose a relevant Bible passage to read together.
• Discuss the passage and its application to the school year.
• Share individual and family goals for the year.
• End with a group prayer and a fun activity or treat.

Benefits: Deepens family faith and prepares everyone for the year ahead.

Find suggestions for passages here!

Service Project:
Start the school year with a family service project.

• Identify a need in your community or church.
• Plan and carry out a service project, such as a food drive, clothing donation, gathering school supplies for a family/teacher in need, or volunteering.
• As a family, discuss the experience and the importance of serving others.

Benefits: Teaches the value of service and compassion.

Annual Back-to-School Photo and Prayer:
On the first day of school, capture a photo and pray as a family about the day and the entire upcoming school year.

• Take a photo of each child on the first day of school.
• After the photo, gather for a family prayer.
• Create a scrapbook or digital album to document each year’s photos. 

Benefits: It creates lasting memories and marks special familial milestones.

Back-to-School Family Outing:
Have fun as a family with an end-of-summer hoorah! Plan an outing before school starts. 

• Choose a fun activity such as a picnic, hike, or visit to a museum.
• Use the time to discuss goals and expectations for the school year.

Benefits: Builds family cohesion and provides a positive start to the school year.

Personalized Prayer Journals:
Create personalized prayer journals for each family member.

• Purchase or make journals and decorate them together.
• Encourage each family member to write their prayers, hopes, and reflections.
• Set aside regular times to share entries and pray together.

Benefits: Assists personal and family spiritual growth.

Educational Goals and Rewards:
Set educational and spiritual goals with a reward system.

• Discuss and set realistic goals for each child.
• Create a chart or visual tracker to monitor progress.
• Decide on rewards for achieving goals, such as a special outing or treat.

Benefits: Motivates children to strive for excellence academically and spiritually.

Choose from one of these charts to keep track of progress!

We’ve Reached the End (of Summer and this Post)

As the school year unfolds, maintaining these back-to-school traditions can provide a consistent source of encouragement, instill values that last a lifetime, and ensure that your children feel connected to God’s love and guidance. We hope these traditions inspire and uplift your family during this time of new beginnings and that your family’s back-to-school season is filled with joy, growth, and God’s blessings. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ