Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, & Henry Lincoln
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The authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail have spent over ten years meticulously researching this book, using a wealth of historical documents and ancient evidence, attempting to prove that it is quite possible that traditional views regarding Christ’s life were manipulated sparking worldwide controversy, regarding the traditional, accepted view of the life of Christ as we know it. Interestingly, the book actually raises questions as to the authenticity of accounts that Christ actually died on the cross, if Jesus married, if he could have had a child, and if his bloodline might still exist.
From secretive documents of early French history, the authors found a tangled web of politics and faith that takes the reader from the Knights Templar to a behind the scenes society called the Prieure de Sion, whose purpose was to reinstate the descendants of the Merovingian bloodline to political power. To expand on their findings the authors allege that Jesus had a legitimate claim to the Jewish throne and since claiming it outright would have been impossible given the political climate of the day, that Jesus slyly arranged his life so that it would match the Old Testament prophecies. For his plan to work, Jesus not only had to make himself appear to fit the prophesied coming of the Messiah, but needed to fit it in with his marriage to Mary Magdelene. The authors claim the couple then had at least one child together, and that Jesus then staged his own crucifixion while Mary escaped with Jesus’ children to France where Jesus’ descendents became the Merovingian dynasty of kings, ruling France from roughly 500 A.D. until 750 A.D. After the Merovingians were overthrown, the Prieure de Sion, a secret society, preserved the royal claims of Jesus’ descendants as well as their history to the present day.
The authors are quick to point out though that their intention was not to compromise or demean Jesus but to offer a better picture of him and his purpose on this earth. The book is done carefully in an attempt to keep the authors perspective and sense of skepticism alive while explaining how they drew such flammable conclusions. As the tale evolves, the author will take you on a quest to find the Holy Grail that will take you on an amazing journey involving not only the Catholic Church but also the Knight’s Templar, the Freemasons, and dozens of secret sects. Reader beware, however, that this book is designed to be read by historians and researchers and not the casual reader as it requires a significant amount of concentration to keep all the places and dates in place. Believers of traditional Christian dogma will hate this book while those who think that conventional dogma is bogus will like its somewhat plausible alternate explanation. However, most of the book is supposition with the authors admitting to being unable to find substantial evidence of their theories that Jesus survived the crucifixion or that his wife and children fled to France.
Overall, the questions that the book gives rise to such as could it be true that the bloodline of the Magdalene may be alive today in the descendants of her marriage to the Christ are not that outlandish. After all, what is really unholy about this possibility? If God made man and woman to propagate, it is reasonable that He would allow Jesus to take a wife. Another question is why the church has spent the last 2000 years misaligning the position of the Magdalene. These questions are addressed in Holy Blood, Holy Grail, allowing for new possibilities to consider.
I applaud the authors for their historical references to the Merovingians, Cathars, and the Knights Templar. The Inquisition tried to not only annihilate them by fire but by the pen thus silencing them leaving only the mystic/seer to unveil the truth that inspired their massive sacrifice of life.
This book is worthwhile both for its thought-provoking ideas and for its engaging readability and is the most impressive grand conspiracy theory I have read. It has always amazed me how ready people are to believe what the men in robes tell them from the pulpit, which is no more than what they are taught to believe in seminary. That is to say that theology is not the same as scientifically studying the context in which the Bible was written or to explain why there are so many blatant inconsistencies, not to mention heinous “head-scratchers” within the “Word of God.” Sadly, ministers often have no real knowledge of all the political intrigue, maneuvering, rewriting, editing, social control, and suppression of truth that became what is considered “holy.” Yes, what these authors lay on the table at the end is a hypothesis but, in my view at least, given the undeniable amount of historical facts unearthed and organized, this is far more reasonable than anything else out there.
Overall, I found the book compelling and I had to thoroughly re-look at some of my original views about the origins of Christianity, the Knights Templar, and the Free Masons. I found the authors to be open minded presenting their facts and their perspectives in a manner that leaves the reader free to draw his or her own conclusions.
[tags]jesus, mary magdalene, holy grail, holy blood, crucifixion, bloodline, christ’s bloodline, merovingian, knights templar, free mason, prieure de sion, christianity, french dynasty, michael baigent, non fiction, richard leigh, henry lincoln, book review[/tags]
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University Update - John Edwards - Could You Be One of Jesus’ Heirs? It is Possible if You Read Holy Blood, Holy Grail - by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, & Henry Lincoln
July 18th, 2007
at 7:04am
[...] Yahoo Link to Article john edwards Could You Be One of Jesus’ Heirs? It is Possible if You Read Holy Blood, Holy Grail - by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, & Henry Lincoln » Posted at Reflections by J. Schenone on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 [ Author Avatar] The authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail, have spent over ten years meticulously researching this book, using a wealth of historical documents and ancient evidence, attempting to prove that it is quite possible that traditional views regarding Christ’s life were manipulated sparking worldwide controversy, regarding the traditional, View Entire Article » [...]
Bill @ Racine
July 19th, 2007
at 2:41am
I think the fact that this type of story gets sucked up and enjoyed by most people is that they have no concept of what marriage is supposed to be.
We are told in the New Testament that when a MAN and a WOMAN come together in marriage - they become one flesh. That the bond is to be so tight - that they cease to be a individuals and become one person.
Explain to me, how Jesus - the Word Incarnate - could become one flesh with a human being? Yes, Jesus did have a human nature - but He also had His divine nature and that would not bond with another person.
The “Da Vinci Code” was based heavily upon this fictional work and was even sued by the authors because of him “borrowing” most of the material. There have been numerous books out that show just how false the Da Vinci Code (and by association - Holy Blood, Holy Grail) that you think someone would have pointed it out to this author by now.
For a short synopsis of all of the mistakes in this book - let’s first go here: http://www.envoymagazine.com/planetenvoy/Review-DaVinci-part1.htm.
Then for those who want a secular viewpoint:
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code.htm
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code1.htm
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code2.htm
As for the claim of Bible “inconsistencies” - can you name a few? I hear this little phrase mentioned over and over and yet never seem to find anyone able to bring them to light.
Might I suggest that the author also research what Christianity is (not what he/she believes it is) before passing anymore judgments. As for the claim that religion is antithesis to science, might I suggest reading this book http://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Church-Built-Western-Civilization/dp/0895260387/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-4040648-6828105?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1184841653&sr=8-1.
This was written by a REAL historian, not someone with an axe to grind.
elhuevon
July 19th, 2007
at 6:01am
The Bible is the word of God. This is true! I love in the Bible how when Jesus was baptized though having commited no sins, both the Voice of God was heard and the Holy Spirit desecended like a dove (not an actual dove, but like a dove). So at Jesus’s baptism, Jesus was in the water, God the Father was in the heavens, and the Holy Spirit was also there like a Dove, not to mention John the Baptist was also there. That is quite the audience! So if somebody needed proof as to who was baptized , where it took place and who preformed there would be at least 3 people who could give fact based details because they were all there. “They” being God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and John. God the Father attended the baptism of Jesus his son. Just like I would attend the baptism of my son.
Anyway
David
July 22nd, 2007
at 7:08am
The early Catholic church altered and changed events in the Bible to further support their religious ideals. Jesus was a Prophet, Healer, Mystic, Psychic and Savior, but he was also human. In order to become a Rabi he had to marry someone, so why not Marry? Jesus studied in Egypt, he learned from the Essences who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls, and he traveled to India to further educate himself. The message of Jesus was not one of hell and brimstone but of Love. All religions in the world lead to God. God wont turn anyone away became they were Muslims. Buddhists, or Shintos. God loves us all and we are hear to learn and report back.
In the end, Hell is distance from God and that makes earth the only real Hell there is.
reflections
July 22nd, 2007
at 7:21am
Dear David
I agree that all religions who earnestly seek God will find Him. Allah is the Arabic for the Jewish Jehovah. I really believe that as long as our hearts are pure and we choose to live a life that we think is acceptable to the Good Lord that He will accept us for the Humans that we are.
I also believe that while God inspired the original ten commandments that much of the rest of the Bible was included or omitted through the deciseiveness of man. That is easily seen with all the Bible translations that exist and the countless sects from the major religions. Each one interprets the Scriptures differently and so I believe it comes down to each person reading them for themselves to see what God has to say to them.
I also agree with you that it is quite logical to believe that God allowed Jesus to marry Mary Magdalene as marriage is condoned by God.
I hope you will continue to post your thoughts on my site and I wish you a good day. Jackie
reflections
July 22nd, 2007
at 7:28am
Dear Bill
As always your comments are more than welcome on this site. My thoughts are really not important for more than an opportunity to put out ideas for people to discuss.
I personally believe that the various type of Bibles and their varying interpretations from the Greek and Hebrew leave all but the original text in jeopardy of error. In the long run, however, this doesn’t really effect the overall message that as long as one accepts Jesus as their Savior they will be spared from the final judgement. I will continue to give an open forum for other persuasions as I also feel tolerance and the ability to learn from others is very important.
Have a wonderful day and I will look forward to hearing from you in the future. Jackie
reflections
July 22nd, 2007
at 7:32am
Dear Elhuevon
I can’t help but wonder what translation of the Bible you are using. I also wonder if you realize that Christianity as we know it didn’t really take hold until a thousand years after Christ died. If man interpreted the Greek or Hebrew to fit their own purpose, like was seen in the Holy Wars and in the Spanish Inquisition, how do we know what God’s intended words were?
Please feel free to add any comments to any article on this site as everyone’s opinion is valuable and you never know there are a billion or more people on the internet and your thoughts could sway someone to your viewpoint.
Have a wonderful day. Jackie
Kent Smith
July 22nd, 2007
at 11:31am
Re: “Holy Blood Holy Grail”. These observations have been covered in a good many serious studies, going back for a number of years. A particularly good and readable book, by a classical scholar at the University of Toronto named Earl Doherty, is “The Jesus Puzzle”. It’s been widely commented on and has been re-published in a number of languages. The likelihood that Jesus ever lived is essentially nil, as Doherty and others have pointed out. Of course there will always be those good souls who have Jesus in their hearts, but that’s an entirely different matter. Personal convictions and the different kinds of mysticism don’t have much to do with history, though they can carry a good deal of comfort.
reflections
July 22nd, 2007
at 12:42pm
Dear Kent
Thank you for visiting and for your comments. Please continue to visit this site and add your comments to anything that interests you. I plan to check out the book you suggested. Have a good day. Jackie
Roger
July 29th, 2007
at 7:42pm
Dear Jackie and others,
Do you really believe that all roads lead to God? This is postmodern hogwash. Just given four of the world’s religions - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism - they could all be wrong, but they can not all be right. Which should you choose? What’s humanity’s problem? We are all going to die: perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow, perhaps 20 years from now. Are you ready?
Do you really believe that all someone has to do is “accept Jesus as their Savior” to be spared the final judgment? What is that judgment? What is the standard? You said that you believe God inspired the Ten Commandments - Have you kept them? All of them? All of the time? This is the standard by which humanity will be judged; by which you will be judged and I will be judged. I cannot stand to those commandments; how about you?
1. You shall have no other gods before Me. - Have you put God above everything else in your life?
2. You shall not make for yourself any graven image. - Have you made up an image of God in your mind that you feel comfortable with? The Bible says that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy”. He is a consuming fire. He will judge the world in righteousness. - You must be perfect.
3. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. - God asks for one day in seven to be given to Him.
5. Honor your father and your mother. - Did you always do everything your parents asked you to do - the first time?
6. You shall not murder. - and God says that he who hates his brother is a murderer.
7. You shall not commit adultery. - But Jesus said that if you even look with lust, you have committed adultery already in your heart.
8. You shall not steal. - No thief will inherit the kingdom of God.
9. You shall not bear false witness. “All liars shall have their part in the lake of fire.” - ALL liars. God killed a husband and wife in the New Testament for telling one lie. (Acts 5)
10. You shall not covet. - Did you ever desire anything that belonged to someone else?
If you are honest with yourself, you cannot stand up to those commandments either. You will be guilty of breaking God’s commandments, as am I. The penalty is death and hell.
God doesn’t want you to perish. You need someone to pay the fine you owe to the Law. This is the purpose for the coming of Jesus Christ - to pay the debt that you owe to God. He paid the fine so that you can go free. But you must respond. “Repent and believe the good news.” Turn from your sins and forsake them, and put your trust in Jesus, like you would a parachute when you jump from a plane. He will save you from the wrath to come. He must accept us on His terms, not our own.
I will be praying for you, and anyone who reads this, that you might be saved.
ferhat kanarya
May 17th, 2008
at 3:57am
Saint Sophia Museum is the resting place of the Holy Grail. http://www.gradale.com reveals the biggest mystery of history.
magnus alexander rawstron
May 10th, 2009
at 2:59pm
i was born in 72 and have since i was 6 years old known i am the man referred to in the many ancient prophecies deciphered into western culture, only when reading other peoples works on the holy grail did i realise yeah its the same man.
anyways, i was trying to find this henry lincoln guy on the net to send my url but i got directed to here instead.
when is someone gonna create good search engines!
magnus alexander rawstron
telson
July 13th, 2009
at 11:16pm
Many syncretistic religions formed gnosticism. Gnosticism was rivaling against Christianity and gnosticism held itself better religion as Christianity was. Word gnosticism comes from Greek word gnosis, which means knowledge. Gnosticism had various effects, for instance, some Gnostics taught that divinity can be achieved through unity of the man and woman. This thought led some Gnostics to reach for divinity through sexual intercourse between the man and woman. There existed also some Gnostics, who abstained from sexual intercourse. When we know the fact that Gnostics held Christians as their enemies and that Gnostics held themselves better as Christians and that Gnostics wanted to show in every way that Gnosticism was better as Christianity, so Gnostics made so called gnostic gospels were they twisted, slandered and misrepresented the real gospels. Gnostics went so far in this misrepresent that they wrote “new gospels” by faking the real gospels. In these faked gospels Gnostics wrote that Jesus Christ was an ordinary man who has a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene.
http://koti.phnet.fi/elohim/marymagdalene.html