Difference between revisions of "Gospels"
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The first canonical gospel written was the book of Mark. Matthew and Luke were written using Mark as a reference, though it has been proposed that all three of them used the ''[[Q gospel|Q document]]''—a collection of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]' sayings written in Greek— as a reference. The Gospel of John's approach is very different: it is postulated that John is writing to Greek-speaking Jews who are not believers in Jesus, and to strengthen the faith of Christians. Essentially, John was our first real mass-marketed evangelist. | The first canonical gospel written was the book of Mark. Matthew and Luke were written using Mark as a reference, though it has been proposed that all three of them used the ''[[Q gospel|Q document]]''—a collection of [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]' sayings written in Greek— as a reference. The Gospel of John's approach is very different: it is postulated that John is writing to Greek-speaking Jews who are not believers in Jesus, and to strengthen the faith of Christians. Essentially, John was our first real mass-marketed evangelist. | ||
| − | All of the canonical gospels were originally written in Greek, even though Jesus spoke Aramaic. The gospels have been translated over-and-over; through word of mouth and writing. | + | All of the canonical gospels were originally written in Greek, even though Jesus spoke Aramaic. The gospels have been translated over-and-over; through word of mouth and writing. |
===Synoptic Problem=== | ===Synoptic Problem=== | ||
The main issue with the three synoptic gospels is demostrated in the name ''synoptic'' (taking a common view). 3 books written in 3 different time periods with, in some cases, the same exact timeline and wording. The similiarities and differences of these three books are known as the ''synoptic problem''. There have been many hypotheses as to how this could be.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synoptic_problem GREAT examples].</ref> | The main issue with the three synoptic gospels is demostrated in the name ''synoptic'' (taking a common view). 3 books written in 3 different time periods with, in some cases, the same exact timeline and wording. The similiarities and differences of these three books are known as the ''synoptic problem''. There have been many hypotheses as to how this could be.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synoptic_problem GREAT examples].</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Likely audiences for the gospels=== | ||
| + | One possible reason for the discrepancies between the four canonical gospels is that they were intended for different audiences. They were never intended to be published side-by-side and studied together. Each gospel has its own emphasis which points to its intended audience. | ||
| + | *'''Matthew''', which contains many references to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, was likely aimed at Jews who wanted "proof" that Jesus was the [[Messiah]]. | ||
| + | *'''Mark''' is considered the "action gospel" because it portrays Jesus as a decisive, consistent man of action. This would have appealed to those who objected to the capricious nature of the pantheistic gods and goddesses. | ||
| + | *'''Luke''', which has the highest quality writing of the four gospels, was probably written for educated Greeks, Romans and other upper class gentiles. | ||
| + | *'''John''', being the most mystical, least "preachy" of the four canonical gospels, was likely written for like-minded pagans who were turned off by prophecy, theology and rules. | ||
| + | Today, you can often tell how hard-line a Christian is by which gospel he or she favors. From most liberal to most conservative, the progression is (arguably) John - Mark - Matthew - Luke. | ||
==Non-canonical gospels== | ==Non-canonical gospels== | ||
Revision as of 23:50, 23 December 2009
The gospels are books/collections of writings/scribblings on looseleaf that "document" the birth, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascendsion of Jesus of Nazareth. Most Christians only know of the 4 canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Of these 4, the first 3 are known as the synoptic gospels - they say basically the same thing with different territorial twists thrown in - while John and the myriad Apocryphal gospels can be quite different.
Canonical Gospels
The first canonical gospel written was the book of Mark. Matthew and Luke were written using Mark as a reference, though it has been proposed that all three of them used the Q document—a collection of Jesus' sayings written in Greek— as a reference. The Gospel of John's approach is very different: it is postulated that John is writing to Greek-speaking Jews who are not believers in Jesus, and to strengthen the faith of Christians. Essentially, John was our first real mass-marketed evangelist.
All of the canonical gospels were originally written in Greek, even though Jesus spoke Aramaic. The gospels have been translated over-and-over; through word of mouth and writing.
Synoptic Problem
The main issue with the three synoptic gospels is demostrated in the name synoptic (taking a common view). 3 books written in 3 different time periods with, in some cases, the same exact timeline and wording. The similiarities and differences of these three books are known as the synoptic problem. There have been many hypotheses as to how this could be.[1]
Likely audiences for the gospels
One possible reason for the discrepancies between the four canonical gospels is that they were intended for different audiences. They were never intended to be published side-by-side and studied together. Each gospel has its own emphasis which points to its intended audience.
- Matthew, which contains many references to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, was likely aimed at Jews who wanted "proof" that Jesus was the Messiah.
- Mark is considered the "action gospel" because it portrays Jesus as a decisive, consistent man of action. This would have appealed to those who objected to the capricious nature of the pantheistic gods and goddesses.
- Luke, which has the highest quality writing of the four gospels, was probably written for educated Greeks, Romans and other upper class gentiles.
- John, being the most mystical, least "preachy" of the four canonical gospels, was likely written for like-minded pagans who were turned off by prophecy, theology and rules.
Today, you can often tell how hard-line a Christian is by which gospel he or she favors. From most liberal to most conservative, the progression is (arguably) John - Mark - Matthew - Luke.
Non-canonical gospels
There are well over 20 gospels of Jesus Christ. However, the catholic church found it necessary to leave certain ones out. The gospel of Mary Magdalene, possibly the most famous Apocrypha for example, depicts her being second to Jesus rather than Peter. It also insinuates that Mary and Jesus were lovers. In the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus asserts that the idea of hell is not for an eternity, rather a time that meets the severity of the punishment. A gospel according to Judas (dating to around the 3rd/4th Century AD) was discovered in the 1970s but has only really been studied since the late 90s. This alters the narrative slightly to portray Judas' actions towards the end of Jesus' story not as a betrayal, but as following the instructions of Jesus himself. Considering that it is canonical Christian belief that it was God's plan to have Jesus brutally murdered, this does make some sick and twisted sense.
See also
- Salvation. "The Gospel" is often used as a synonym for a salvation message in particular, rather than the four Gospels in general.
- Bible
- Guide to the Bible