This fresh book argues that the four Gospels are closely based on eyewitness testimony of those who knew Jesus. Noted New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham challenges the prevailing assumption that the accounts of Jesus circulated as "anonymous community traditions" instead asserting that they were transmitted in the name of the original eyewitness.
To drive home this controversial point, Bauckham draws on internal literary evidence, study of personal names in the first century, and recent developments in the understanding of oral traditions. "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" also taps into the rich resources of modern study of memory and cognitive psychology, refuting the conclusions of the form critics and calling New Testament scholarship to make a clean break with this long-dominant tradition. Finally, Bauckham challenges readers to end the classic division between the "historical Jesus" and the "Christ of faith" proposing the "Jesus of testimony" that is actually presented by Gospels.
Sure to ignite heated debate on the precise character of the testimony about Jesus, "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" will be valued by scholars, students and all who seek to understand the origins of the Gospels.
Already own this item? Sell Yours and earn some cash.
It's fast and free to list! (Learn More.)
Reviews
–
In this book prominent New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham not only takes on modern literary and form criticism head on, but proposes a far superior model. He proposes that the New Testament gospels are heavily reliant on eyewitness testimony. The importance is in both what makes an eyewitness, and what defines testimony. Bauckham points to references to eyewitnesses such as in the prologue of Luke 1:14; he focuses his attention on Acts as well as the Gospels. His proposal makes much better sense, which recent scholars such as Dunn have also taken on from a very different perspective.
Bauckham's hypothesis is probably the best explanation for the Gospel of John. For example, we find John so highly engaged with Second Temple Judaism. Similarly, his geographical understanding of Palestine is brilliant. Yet we also have a theological element to the gospel where the author has expanded on sayings of Jesus. How do we explain this? As an eyewitness and member of Jesus' ministry, the beloved disciple (author/source of John) was able to expand without compromising his teacher's message.
A brilliant work which should be a standard in any New Testament or Biblical scholar library.
You can earn a 5% commission by selling Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony paperback book on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep!
Authors/Publishers
Are you the Author/Publisher? Improve sales by submitting additional information on this title.
This item ships from and is sold by Fishpond World Ltd.
Help
My Cart
Ships within 24 hours from UK supplier
– 