Many scholars suspect Smith forged the letter himself to support his theories about the "historical Jesus."
The letter is attributed to Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD). The Content: It addresses a group called the Carpocratians. Clement of Alexandria and a Secret Gospel of Mark
The letter's authenticity is hotly debated for several reasons: Many scholars suspect Smith forged the letter himself
The original book was moved to Athens and the letter has since "disappeared," leaving only Smith’s photographs. Clement of Alexandria and a Secret Gospel of Mark
Morton Smith created the entire thing as an academic prank or to stir controversy.