John and Thomas-Gospels in Conflict?

by Skinner, Christopher W.; Moloney, Francis J.

• ISBN13: 9781606086148
• ISBN10: 1606086146
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-01
• Publisher: Pickwick Pubns

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Christopher W. Skinner (PhD, Catholic University) is instructor of biblical studies at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, in Baltimore, and the author of What Are They Saying about the Gospel of Thomas? (forthcoming).

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Preface	p. xiii
Abbreviations	p. xv
Introduction	p. xix
Historical Overview	p. 1
Characterization and the Fourth Gospel	p. 19
Jesus and Thomas in the Fourth Gospel	p. 42
Jesus and Peter in the Fourth Gospel	p. 78
Jesus and Other Disciples in the Fourth Gospel	p. 139
Jesus and "Others" in the Fourth Gospel	p. 165
Conclusion	p. 227
Bibliography	p. 235
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