John and Thomas-Gospels in Conflict?

Zusatztext

The hypothesis that the Fourth Gospel is a theological response to the Gospel of Thomas is a recent development in the study of the New Testament and early Christianity. Assuming an early date for the Gospel of Thomas, the proponents of this hypothesis argue that the supposed "polemical" presentation of Thomas in the Fourth Gospel is evidence of a conflict between the early communities associated respectively with John and Thomas. However, a detailed narrative study reveals that the Fourth Gospel portrays a host of characters--disciples and non-disciples--in an equally unflattering light where an understanding of Jesus's origins, message, and mission are concerned. The present study attempts to demonstrate that the Fourth Gospel's presentation of Thomas is part and parcel of its treatment of "uncomprehending" characters. If this thesis is correct, it poses a significant challenge to the assumption that the Fourth Gospel contains a polemic against Thomas, or that it was written in response to the Gospel of Thomas or the community associated with Thomas.

Autorenportrait

Christopher W. Skinner holds a PhD from Catholic University of America and is Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. He has published numerous articles and is the author or editor of seven books including<i>John and Thomas: Gospels in Conflict</i> (Pickwick),<i>What Are They Saying About the Gospel of Thomas, Characters and Characterization in the Gospel of John</i>, and<i>Mark as Story: Retrospect and Prospect</i>. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Tara and their three children.

Weitere Details