Data Over Dogma John! With Hugo Méndez
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Sep 15, 2025 
Hugo Méndez, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at UNC Chapel Hill and author of 'The Gospel of John, A New History,' joins the discussion to explore rich theological perspectives in the Gospel of John. He dives into the complexities of the Johannine community and challenges traditional views on authorship, providing fresh insights into early Christian texts. Listeners are treated to an engaging analysis of John's unique symbolism and its implications for understanding Jesus's divinity, offering a thought-provoking journey into biblical scholarship.
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Origins Of 'Johannine Community' Questioned
- Similar language across the Gospel and epistles led scholars to posit a shared origin called the Johannine community.
- Hugo Méndez argues similarities better reflect authors copying and imitating one another, not a single community.
Pseudepigraphy Explains Similarities
- Méndez rejects the Johannine community and favors pseudepigraphy to explain textual similarity.
- He reads 1–3 John as later authors imitating the Gospel of John to extend its authority and address new issues.
Look For Literary Networks, Not Just Churches
- Treat New Testament writers as part of literary networks with elevated literacy and access to texts.
- When studying origins, look for signs of reading, sharing, and literary imitation rather than assuming local church authorship.
