ArrMatey!, you may have read that theory in one of the more recent previous threads here on the SDMB (I don’t remember off the top of my head who said it, but they did say that they read it on another message board). I happen to like that theory. If it’s true, do we know whether any of the characters would realize it? Maybe Management & Lodz, and since I’m getting the impression that they’re good guys (even though we’ve been led to believe that they’re shady characters–esp Lodz), your idea that Lodz preventing Ben from having offspring (who would be evil) sounds plausible. Iris, who seems to have been outed as pretty damn evil, I wouldn’t think would want to ensure the next generation’s avatar of light. ??? I think Lodz’ inentions with Ruthie were less complicated, though, mainly to either get Ben to use his power (because Lodz knows the deal and knows that Ben needs to be ready for the showdown), or to try and fail (which may prompt him to seek the advice of the only one who seems to want to tell him what’s going on–Lodz).
Your statement “. . .these ‘prophets’ would never be recognized in their own home, but perhaps elsewhere?” makes sense. . .it seems like whenever Ben goes into town somewhere, a bunch of people (kids??) come running to harass him about being Jesus or something, but few at the Carnivale think of him as anything but another lowly roustie. I don’t know what that has to do with Sophie, or why the Templar guy appeared to her and said that.