Morton Smith

Morton Smith was an American biblical scholar and historian known for his research on early Christianity. He gained prominence in the 1970s when he claimed to have discovered a manuscript containing a version of the Gospel of Mark, which suggested that Jesus had a secret teaching. This text, known as the "Secret Gospel of Mark," sparked significant debate among scholars about its authenticity and implications for understanding Christian origins. Smith's work challenged traditional views on the gospels and the nature of early Christian texts, contributing to ongoing discussions about the historical Jesus and the development of Christian doctrine.