The letter was a "pious fraud" written in the 2nd or 3rd century to trick rival Christian groups.
The letter is a genuine copy of a lost work by Clement, proving multiple versions of Mark existed. Clement of Alexandria and a Secret Gospel of Mark
The text implies a private initiation rite between Jesus and the young man, which has led to various modern interpretations. Current Scholarly Standing The academic world is split into three main camps: The letter was a "pious fraud" written in
The letter is attributed to Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD). The Content: It addresses a group called the Carpocratians. Current Scholarly Standing The academic world is split
Many scholars suspect Smith forged the letter himself to support his theories about the "historical Jesus."
Morton Smith created the entire thing as an academic prank or to stir controversy.
The letter quotes two passages, including a story of Jesus raising a young man from the dead (similar to Lazarus). The Controversy