Deceptive intentions: forgeries, falsehoods and the study of ancient Judaism
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Published version
Date
2018
Authors
Klawans, Jonathan
Version
Published version
Embargo Date
2019-11-13
OA Version
Citation
Jonathan Klawans. 2018. "Deceptive Intentions: Forgeries, Falsehoods and the Study of Ancient Judaism." Jewish Quarterly Review, Volume 108, Issue 4, pp. 489 - 501. https://doi.org/10.1353/jqr.2018.0030
Abstract
This essay probes and problematizes purported distinctions between religious pseudepigraphy and literary deceit. When we attend to what ancient religious pseudepigraphs say about lying, we may be more inclined to recognize the intention to deceive. Apologies for ancient religious pseudepigraphs sometimes resemble defenses for alleged modern forgeries, raising the possibility that academics may not be sufficiently alert to the extent of dishonesty lurking in our source material. In this respect, grappling with ancient lies may also help us recognize modern ones. In any event, the current moment—marked by crises of forgery and falsehood—call for a greater awareness, and increased suspicion.
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