This is a study of the four gospels that goes beyond traditional boundaries. After considering the dramatic structures of sources as diverse as Shakespeare and Star Wars, this book makes the bold suggestion that the gospels were written as dramas, and not as strict chronological histories.



Consider that the gospel authors had to compete for an audience. If they wanted to gain followers, they had to portray Jesus as a dramatic hero, superior to any hero their audience already knew, but with virtues that their audience would recognize, admire and be drawn to.



The evidence in the gospels...