Subject
Bible. Gospels -- Evidences, authority, etc. Books
Best books
Simon Greenleaf
An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists, by the Rules of Evidence Administered in Courts of Justice With an Account of the Trial of Jesus
"An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists, by the Rules of Evidence Administered in Courts of Justice" by Simon Greenleaf is a Christian apologetic work published in 1846. A Harvard Law School professor applies legal standards used in courtrooms to evaluate the Gospel accounts of Jesus's death and resurrection. Greenleaf treats the evangelists as witnesses in a trial, examining their credibility through tests of honesty, ability, consistency, and circumstantial evidence. He concludes that the Gospel writers qualify as reliable witnesses under the same rigorous cross-examination applied in human tribunals.
W. (William) Sanday
The Gospels in the Second Century An Examination of the Critical Part of a Work Entitled 'Supernatural Religion'
"The Gospels in the Second Century" by W. Sanday is a scholarly examination of early Christian literature written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the critical analysis of another book titled "Supernatural Religion" and aims to explore the historical context and evidence surrounding the formation of the New Testament Gospels during the second century. At the start of this examination, Sanday sets a reflective tone, indicating his intention to navigate away from a straightforward critique of "Supernatural Religion" due to its controversial nature and instead aims for a rigorous critique of the arguments presented. He discusses the difficulties associated with establishing the authority and existence of the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy and the inherent biases present in scholarly work. Sanday notes that many early Christian writers quoted from memory or adapted texts rather freely, raising challenges in discerning original meanings and contexts. This opening portion establishes the foundational questions regarding revelation and interpretation that Sanday will continue to explore throughout his investigation.
Charles Bradlaugh
When Were Our Gospels Written?
"When Were Our Gospels Written?" by Charles Bradlaugh is a critical examination of the authenticity and credibility of the four Gospels, written in the late 19th century. This scientific publication aims to explore the timeframe in which the Gospels were composed while addressing the implications for Christianity, particularly the validity of its core narratives. Bradlaugh's work emerges during a period marked by growing skepticism of religious texts and the advent of modern biblical criticism. In this pamphlet, Bradlaugh scrutinizes the arguments presented by Dr. Tischendorf, an advocate for the traditional authenticity of the Gospels. He argues that the Gospels are riddled with contradictions and historical inaccuracies that undermine their reliability. Focusing on crucial elements such as the birth narratives, genealogies of Jesus, and accounts of his resurrection, Bradlaugh presents alternative interpretations and raises doubts about the motivations and accuracy of the Gospel authors. Through this analysis, he seeks to reveal the underlying inconsistencies and challenges faced by proponents of the Gospel's veracity, emphasizing the need for critical scrutiny of foundational religious texts.
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