John, Jesus, and history
Book Description
This scholarly exploration tackles one of Christianity's most enduring questions: Can the Gospel of John be trusted as a historical source for understanding Jesus? For over two centuries, many biblical scholars have dismissed John's Gospel as too theological and distinctive to offer reliable historical insights, creating a significant gap in Jesus research.
Paul N. Anderson brings together an international team of leading biblical scholars to challenge this long-held assumption through rigorous academic inquiry. The contributors examine whether John's unique perspective and eyewitness claims can coexist with historical accuracy, addressing the puzzling reality that John contains so much material found nowhere else in the other Gospels.
Through diverse methodological approaches, including analysis of Johannine memory, examination of relationships between John and the other Gospels, and fresh perspectives on traditional development, these essays reveal an emerging scholarly consensus. Rather than viewing John as historically unreliable, the research suggests it represents an autonomous tradition that offers its own valuable perspective in dialogue with other Gospel accounts.
The work demonstrates over two dozen specific ways John contributes to enhanced historical understanding of Jesus and his ministry. By challenging both critical and traditional assumptions, this comprehensive study opens new pathways for understanding one of Christianity's foundational texts. For readers seeking deeper insight into the historical foundations of Christian faith, this volume offers scholarly rigor combined with accessible exploration of age-old questions about Jesus and the Gospels.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 356 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Erklärung
- ✓ Explore Bibel
- ✓ Explore Evangelium
- ✓ Explore Jesus, the Gospels & Acts
- ✓ Explore Jesus Christus
- ✓ Explore New Testament
- ✓ Explore Exegesis & Hermeneutics
- ✓ Explore History of Biblical events
