Michael Baigent and "The Jesus Papers" featured on "Dateline"

I didn't see it since I don't watch silly "investigative" shows that feature wingnut theories that aren't taken seriously by 99.9999999% of historians. Baigent, of course, is one of the three authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and one of the plaintiffs in the recent (and failed) lawsuit against Dan Brown's publisher for copyright infringement. Baigent's new book is simply another tired riff on the 1965 book, The Passover Plot: Jesus really didn't die on the Cross, but escaped and moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he opened an espresso shop and did palm readings. (BTW, John Lennon said of Hugh Schonfield's book, "My views on Christianity are directly influenced by [the] book." What's up with Brits and weird, nutty theories about Jesus?) Or something like that. Anyhow, NewsBusters.org has a piece about the nonsense that's worth reading. Personally, I can't wait for NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, etc., etc., to start doing "investigative" pieces about how Mohammed never existed, that Buddha didn't found Buddhism, that Moses was actually a member of the PLO, and so forth and so on. Should happen any day now, just as soon as the talking heads at N(ever) B(elieve) C(hristians) finish telling the world the truth about the "'Gospel' of 'Judas'."

By the way, NBC pitched the infomercial by using slogans including, "What if everything you think you know about Jesus is wrong?" (Sounds very similar to the ominous voice overs in the DVC trailers). I say: Hey, what if everything you saw on NBC was wrong? And everything spouted on "Dateline" was a pile of steaming mashed potatoes? Now that's something with a ring of truth to it.

Comments

[xavier]

Carl:

As an authour of a Duh Vinci code book, do you get so exasperated by the invincible stupidity of the mainstream media? I dunno but reading and listening to the hyperventilating spin over the Judas gospel highlights the astouding cultural illiteracy of supposedly educated people. What did they learn in scholl and in their career that they can take such frauds with any seriousness All this reminds me of the parabolic caution of throwing pearls to pigs.

xavier

[MLC]

Xavier, these media are types are clutching at straws. They are so desperate to see the end of Christianity that they will hype anything,however spurious, that appears to aid their cause.
It appears that every Easter we have to endure some fat headed theory or other of the; "Jesus didn't really die on the cross but escaped to Richmond Virginia where he opened a hairdressing salon" variety.
I admit that it once used to trouble me, but it has become so predictable that my reaction these days is to yawn and say, 'yeah, whatever'.
Committed Christians, I truly believe, will see through the media hype. The only ones who will believe in this 'gospel' will be those who want to.

[MLC]

Incidentally there is an amusing parody on the gospel of Judas story on the Curt Jester webblog.

[xavier]

MLC:
Thanks. Yeah but it's sooooooo exasperating that every Christmas and Easter, the mainstream media trots out some lame 'shake Christanity at its roots' story. Then it turns out to be some defossilized heresy or some idea so unhinged that no one can take it seriously. The journalists suddenly suffer from dementia whenever religion is brought up and forget all they've learnt on how to cover a story. Honestly I'd make a better journalist if only because I'm moderately modest ;)

xavier

[jeff]

as you have known the novel was based on a well researched book called the holy blood and the holy grail...and if its not true?then why are reacting this way?why do the church have to edit and tamper the bible?and how does it feel to be accused this way?