Who is that masked man? He’s not Jesus–nor does he think he is. But he dresses like Him, and people’s hearts are changed after they hear him speak, some listeners say. And there have been miracles reported.
Now the man known as “What’s Your Name?” has gained national attention after his barefooted travels through rural Pennsylvania were picked up by the Associated Press, ABC, and Time magazine.
His robe, long hair and beard present a messianic appearance that, when coupled with his teachings on Jesus, draws curious crowds of believers and nonbelievers to his streetside sermons. His nickname is based on the question Moses asked God in the burning bush.
His real name is Carl J. Joseph, age 39. As many as 2,000 people have come to hear him speak.
Joseph claims to
have traveled on foot through 13 countries and 47 states since 1991. His most recent ministry appearance was in Hazelton, Pa., and Shenandoah, Pa., where he showed up suddenly last October. His driver’s license record has reported him to be a resident of Toledo, Ohio, and the Bronx, N.Y.
Although Joseph says he is Roman Catholic only in the sense of the term’s “universal” reference, he also says we need to respect the authority “given by Jesus” to Catholic bishops and the pope.
