In the latest recap episode (Answers) TPTB have confirmed that Jacob is for real...Locke did hear him...and Ben was not happy about it.

No more "Ben created this event with smoke and mirrors" chatter.

I am so glad they touched on this subject.

I'm glad to see they addressed this. Puts some theories to rest, luckily!

Only if it brushes its teeth and says its prayers first.

Just because Locke heard something doesn't mean it wasn't created with smoke and mirrors.

Just because Locke heard something doesn't mean it wasn't created with smoke and mirrors.But they also specifically said that Ben is upset because Locke's ability to hear Jacob severely undermines Ben's authority. If Ben was setting up a show for Locke, why would Locke's ability to perceive the show undermine Ben's authority?

At the very least, if Jacob is a smoke-and-mirrors show, then it's not one being put on by Ben. Ben believes it.

But they also specifically said that Ben is upset because Locke's ability to hear Jacob severely undermines Ben's authority. If Ben was setting up a show for Locke, why would Locke's ability to perceive the show undermine Ben's authority?

At the very least, if Jacob is a smoke-and-mirrors show, then it's not one being put on by Ben. Ben believes it.

I think I'm misunderstood...there is a theory out there that the activity in the shack that night was put on by Ben...that there is no Jacob and Ben caused all of this (even though they showed the audience Jacob???? Look, it's not my theory!)

The show last night confirmed that Jacob is real...Locke did hear JACOB (not Ben) say "Help me"...and Ben is not happy about it.

At the very least, if Jacob is a smoke-and-mirrors show, then it's not one being put on by Ben. Ben believes it.

Yes, it's possible Ben doesn't know as much about the island as he would like other people to believe. Some fans (including me) suspect Locke was right in thinking that Ben let himself be captured so that he could infiltrate the Swan station.

Another fan has suggested that Jacob's shack is a Dharma Initiative psychology experiment (maybe even a para-psychology experiment?).