Thomas and the Gospels
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF6NNxitdxuTzmxpVGDFWBA3gy7EfcokPW-mLDmaip7PZBBryKbb-6Ux-vJdijO8WDtYOv6Z1diuwX7KeRaLhBF9XZmu3b_heiFKl4XSEhr4T8PlGYCX_SZ9IBrv6LCmUKf65dQ/s200/9780802867483.jpg)
"The Gospel of Thomas -- found in 1945 -- has been described as 'without question the most significant Christian book discovered in modern times.' Often Thomas is seen as a special independent witness to the earliest phase of Christianity and as evidence for the now-popular view that this earliest phase was a dynamic time of great variety and diversity.
"In contrast, Mark Goodacre makes the case that, instead of being an early, independent source, Thomas actually draws on the Synoptic Gospels as source material -- not to provide a clear narrative, but to assemble an enigmatic collection of mysterious, pithy sayings to unnerve and affect the reader. Goodacre supports his argument with illuminating analyses and careful comparisons of Thomas with Matthew and Luke."
2 Comments:
Many years ago I read Thomas and concluded that it was derived mostly from Matthew. I suppose this would be an example of the "Matthew effect". Does Goodacre come to the same conclusion?
I'd always thought as you, and yes, but Mark also makes a strong case for heavy Lukan influence. I think you'll find the book persuasive.
Post a Comment
<< Home