By Ron Unz
The Unz Review
April 21, 2026
Throughout most of our history leprosy has probably ranked as one of the most horrifying human conditions.
That slow, wasting disease lacked any cure and produced hideous deformities, leading to the creation of isolated confinement colonies for the afflicted. It's hardly surprising that in the New Testament, Jesus extended his healing touch to lepers as a demonstration of his exceptional personal concern for those who were most despised by the rest of society.