The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction

ISBN-13: 9780199236947 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 144 str.

Language and The Paul (Lecturer in New Testament Literature

Opis

This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels--exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both within and outside the Church. Looking at texts ranging from the Gospels from Nag Hammadi to the Dialogues with the Risen Savior, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and considers the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Foster demonstrates how close analysis of text, contents, and context are vital in assessing the value and authenticity of such ancient documents. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of Secret Mark, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, can help us reach a more complete understanding of the multi-faceted nature of early Christianity.
About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Recenzje

Fascinating reading.

O autorze

Paul Foster is Lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature & Theology, University of Edinburgh. His publications include Community, Law and Mission in Matthew's Gospel, (T"ubingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2004); The So-called Gospel of Peter - An Introduction and Commentary (Oxford: OUP, 2007) in preparation. The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers (London: Continuum, 2006), an edited collection of essays; Justin and his Worlds (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2007), a collection of articles edited with Dr Sara Parvis.