The Bible For Normal People
[Bible] Episode 255: John Dominic Crossan - The Other Gospels
Sep 11, 2023
Renowned scholar John Dominic Crossan joins Pete and Jared for a discussion on non-canonical gospels, exploring their theological significance. They delve into the unique characteristics of the Gospel of Thomas, emphasizing asceticism and disenchantment with the Roman world. The value of extra canonical gospels and the significance of narrative structure in the New Testament are also highlighted.
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Quick takeaways
- The choice of narrative gospels in the New Testament emphasizes the importance of storytelling and provides a richer understanding of Christianity's relationship with the world.
- The existence of non-canonical gospels offers diverse interpretations and counter-interpretations of Christianity, giving valuable insights for scholars and alternative perspectives for individual readers.
Deep dives
The Value of Narrative Gospels
The podcast episode explores the value of narrative gospels in scholarship and for average readers. Narrative gospels, such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, were chosen over other types of gospels, like sayings gospels or revelation gospels, for their ability to draw readers into the story and engage them with the life and teachings of Jesus. These narrative gospels provide a continuity with Judaism and offer a more embodied perspective that invites readers to consider the relationship between Christianity and the world. The structure of the New Testament itself has practical implications in shaping theological perspectives and the understanding of Christianity.
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