Why Is John So Different from the Other Gospels, and Why Is It So Important? скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Is John So Different from the Other Gospels, and Why Is It So Important?

In this archived Zoom recording of the August 25, 2025, Bible and Beyond Discussion, Dr. Shirley Paulson and participants speak with Dr. Paul N. Anderson. Arguably, the Gospel of John is one of the most significant single documents in the history of Western civilization. While reporting the ministry of Jesus in ways markedly different from the other canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John is the only gospel claiming first-hand memory of Jesus of Nazareth. If that is so, however, why is it so different, and why is it important? During the first half-millennium, the Christ-hymn of John 1 contributed to the most intense and extensive theological discussions in human history: is Jesus human or divine, or both? In the modern era, critical scholars have explained away John’s historical differences with the Synoptics (Matthew Mark, Luke), claiming John is a theological flourish rather than historical memory. And yet, John has more archaeological and mundane features than all the other gospels combined–canonical and otherwise. Again, if John reflects the testimony of an eyewitness, why is it so different from the other gospels? This session, beginning with the first and last chapters of John (1 and 21), will walk us into these and other issues. Paul N. Anderson serves as Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. He is the editor of many books and author of many essays and books including the one we focus on for this discussion: Riddles of the Fourth Gospel; From Crisis to Christ. Anderson is the founding member of the John, Jesus, and History Project and edits several series related to the Gospel of John. Text: The Gospel of John, chapters 1 and 21 Read a complete transcript on the Bible and Beyond website: https://earlychristiantexts.com/why-i...