Thomas and the Gospels
The Case for Thomas's Familiarity with the Synoptics
Published on 24. September 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
236 pages
978-0-8028-6748-3 (ISBN)
Description
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. Watch the trailer:
Reviews / Votes
Larry W. Hurtado-- University of Edinburgh"With firm and vigorous (but never shrill) argumentation, incisive critique of other views, and full and clearheaded handling of the data, Mark Goodacre mounts a cogent, persuasive case that the Gospel of Thomas reflects acquaintance with the Synoptic Gospels. This is not a rehash of earlier arguments but a creative treatment that introduces new analysis of this important early Christian text."Dale C. Allison Jr.-- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary"Meticulous, adroit, and closely reasoned, this work will immediately become the definitive presentation of the case that Thomas draws on the Synoptics. Those who take the contrary position truly have their work cut out for them."Simon Gathercole-- Cambridge University"Written with both verve and calm intelligence, this book is head and shoulders above most of the rest of scholarship on Thomas and the Synoptics. It grapples skilfully with both the nitty-gritty of the Greek and Coptic texts and the various scholarly minefields. Read it!"Klyne Snodgrass-- North Park Theological Seminary"Goodacre engages the secondary literature carefully, challenges exaggerated claims and unjust assumptions, and offers valuable insight. . . . Anyone who cares at all about the Gospel of Thomas cannot afford to neglect this book."Andrew Gregory-- University College, Oxford"Mark Goodacre offers a bold and distinctive approach to the ongoing debate about the relationship between the Gospel of Thomas and the Synoptic Gospels. Rightly rejecting the tendency to label and thereby dismiss opposing views as either 'liberal' or 'conservative, ' he focuses instead on the textual evidence on which any responsible historical conclusion must be reached."Nicola Denzey Lewis-- Brown University"This book is quietly revolutionary, turning on its head sixty years of scholarship. . . . Those on both sides of the divide have much to learn from Goodacre's meticulous scholarship."John S. Kloppenborg-- University of Toronto"AmMore details
Person
Mark Goodacre is professor of religious studies at Duke University. He specializes in New Testament and Christian origins, and his research interests include the Gospels and the historical Jesus. He is the author of The Case Against Q: Studies in Markan Priority and the Synoptic Problem, Thomas and the Gospels: The Case for Thomas's Familiarity with the Synoptics, and The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: John's Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.