Jesus theories 'science fiction'
May 09, 2006
Edward Cardinal Egan used his Easter homily Sunday to rail against alternative theories about the life of Christ that he said were undermining Catholicism.
(South Florida Newday, April 17 2006) A standing-room-only crowd of at least 2,500 ticketed parishioners packed St. Patrick's Cathedral for the Cardinal's 10:15 a.m. Mass.
Egan took issue with a U.S. News & World Report magazine story on a controversial new book called "The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity," by a religious studies professor at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
The book by James Tabor claims that Jesus was the son of a Roman soldier and that he wanted to establish a worldwide dynasty led by 12 tribal leaders, with his brother James, rather than Peter, as its leader.
Tabor also takes issue with a translation of an original Greek text, released recently, in which Judas is depicted not as a traitor, but as acting on a request by Jesus to hand him over to the Romans.
Egan didn't mince words in offering his opinion of Tabor's book.
"What he has to say is science fiction out of control," the cardinal said.
And, "The one about Judas that has gotten so much attention - I laugh at that one," he said.
Egan used his sermon to encourage Roman Catholics to read the Bible more often, suggesting a minimum of 20 minutes a week.
"All of this nonsense has taken hold, and maybe it's a blessing. Maybe it will motivate you and me to read about Jesus Christ right from the source," he said. "Next year when Time and Newsweek do the silly articles, you will be prepared."
Egan's homily also touched on less controversial themes, including the Bible's message that, "We are to love our neighbors as ourselves."
The speech struck a chord with Vince Kastor of Fanwood, N.J., who attends Mass at St. Patrick's every year with his family.
"Cardinal Egan was in rare form today. This is the first time since I've gotten here that he's talked about current events," said Kastor, adding that he was happy Egan was "leading the flock."
But stances such as Egan's have turned off Marybeth Sullivan, 35, a saleswoman from Manhattan who was waiting to attend the noon Mass.
"They denied the Gospel of Mary and now they're trying to debunk the Gospel of Judas," said Sullivan. "Every time current events gives [the church] a chance to reflect and move forward, they've made the wrong decision."
Jesus theories 'science fiction'