The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction

Foster, Paul

ISBN 10: 0199236941 / ISBN 13: 9780199236947

Published by Oxford University Press, 2009

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199236941
• ISBN 13: 9780199236947
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels--exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both within and outside the Church. Looking at texts ranging from the Gospels from Nag Hammadi to the Dialogues with the Risen Savior, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and considers the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Foster demonstrates how close analysis of text, contents, and context are vital in assessing the value and authenticity of such ancient documents. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of Secret Mark, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, can help us reach a more complete understanding of the multi-faceted nature of early Christianity.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

About the Author

Paul Foster is Lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature & Theology, University of Edinburgh.