Hugo Méndez

Hugo Méndez, an Associate Professor at UNC Chapel Hill, shares insights from his upcoming book, The Gospel of John: A New History. He challenges traditional views on authorship, suggesting the Fourth Gospel was not penned by John but crafted under a pseudonym. Méndez explores its connection to other early Christian writings and its unique theological claims, such as deification for believers. He also discusses the provocative identity of the 'beloved disciple' and urges readers to appreciate the text on its own terms, revealing a rich tapestry of spiritual insight.

Hugo Méndez, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and author specializing in Johannine literature, challenges the traditional views of the beloved disciple in the Gospel of John. He suggests that this figure might be a fictional literary creation rather than a historical person. The discussion delves into the dating of the Gospel, the concept of disguised authorship, and how ancient texts were circulated. Méndez also critiques John's value for historical Jesus research while highlighting its theological insights and innovative narrative techniques.

Hugo Méndez is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina, specializing in ancient Mediterranean religions. He dives into the complexities of the Gospel of John, exploring its authorship and the high rates of pseudepigraphy in early Christian literature. Méndez argues for a single author while addressing the gospel's connections to the Synoptic Gospels. He discusses the innovative theology within John, the identity of the 'beloved disciple,' and the implications of reading it as pseudepigraphal, emphasizing its creative and unique nature.