The author of this website examines a number of mysteries that surround the life and mission of Jesus. This is a sensitive area for many people, and because the author sometimes questions common assumptions, I suspect that some of the articles could anger some Christians. So if you are someone who believes that everything in the bible is literally true and inerrant, you might want to avoid this site.
Although I didn’t get angry, I was startled by what I read in several of the articles. This would include the articles about the birth of Jesus, the family of Jesus, speaking in tongues, and demonic possession. There was also surprising information in the discussions of Barabbas, Mary Magdalene, Golgotha (the place where Jesus was crucified), stigmata, and the Beloved Disciple.
The article about the search for Golgotha contains a map of ancient Jerusalem showing the location of the traditional site of the crucifixion and a photo of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which was later built there. The article discusses the evidence that this is the right location, but also mentions that some historians have doubts.
The discussion of possession by demons suggests that this belief is an attempt to explain psychological disorders such as schizophrenia. But because it is a primitive idea, some Christians find it embarrassing that the gospels describe several incidents in which Jesus expelled demons from people.
According to an article about cases of stigmata, some people believe that these mysterious wounds (or skin blotches) can appear spontaneously as a sign from God. But the author describes several possible natural explanations for their occurrence, including the possibility that some people have secretly wounded themselves, or even painted fake stigmata onto their skin.
The discussion of the birth of Jesus contains several items that surprised me. First, Mary was probably only thirteen years old when she became pregnant with Jesus. Second, Joseph wanted to back out of the marriage when he found out about the pregnancy. Third, Mary may have left her hometown for three months to avoid the public disgrace. And fourth, there was a report that a Roman soldier was the father of her unborn child. All of this is very different from the traditional story of the divine conception and virgin birth.
The article on the family of Jesus mentions the common belief that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life, but then points out gospel passages which indicate that she had four other sons besides Jesus, and at least two daughters. This means that she must have given birth at least seven times. And not only did she go through that hardship, her husband Joseph apparently died before all the children were grown.
Another section of this article discusses passages which say that other members of Jesus’ family opposed his decision to begin his ministry and tried to forcefully bring him home. One passage even says that they thought he was “out of his mind.” But later they apparently became convinced of his messiahship and joined his other followers.
If you want to peruse this site, go to www.gospel-mysteries.net. You will find a variety of articles plus a gallery of famous works of art.
Tags: Christianity, religion
