Did Jesus Have A Wife?

Papyrus Piece

The theological controversy has hit all the major television stations as of yesterday. Dr. Karen King, of Harvard Divinity School, announced that she had located a 4th-century papyrus fragment of a special scroll referring to the supposed fact that Jesus had a wife.

I watched and recorded the segment on at least four television stations and called it up on the web. And what else do I know> It boils down to these questions: Is the 4th century fragment of papyrus genuine? Who are the Coptics anyway since it was written in Coptic instead of Greek? (They were Egyptian Christians -- I love this irony --since Coptics were also in the news this week since it is alleged that they may have raised the money for the trailer for the Mohammed film which has set up turmoil around the world.) How did this Harvard professor get her hands on the papyrus? The article has set off mounds of controversy and will require years of research on antiquities and documentation. The text contains a dialogue in which Jesus refers to "my wife" and he identifies her as Mary. Another question might be whether Jesus had women disciples. The answer to that question could cause ripples in the Church of today!

In the meantime, I ask myself one question! What impact would that news, if it were documented in every way, make on my theology of Christ and him crucified? Would it add an ounce to his humanity (perhaps) or to his divinity? (NO, Absolutely!!!) His divinity came from God! His words ring true, in Greek, Coptic or English, whether they are written on papyrus or in the heart of a believer.

So will I follow the controversy? Yes! Not because of wanting more information to bolster my faith but because I love to study and define my own theology. The divinity of Christ came from God; his humanity came with identifying with those around him.