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THE AUTHORS OF THE GOSPELS
[According to the Clementine Tradition]
by
Dennis Barton
The theory that Mark's Gospel was the first to be written dominates New Testament Studies today,
yet this theory has led to serious and widespread doubts regarding the historical reliability of the Gospels, upon
which rests our understanding of Christianity.
The Authors of the Gospels sets forth an alternative
view. Using primary sources written by the earliest Christian historians (The Church Fathers such as Clement of
Alexandria, Ireneaus, Tertullian, Jerome and Augustine of Hippo in his later years) and the findings of a non-Markan
school of modern literary analysis, the author argues strongly in favour of a return to the chronology which was
used widely prior to the times of Jerome.
This would conform to the traditional teaching of the Church that two of the gospels were written by eyewitness
companions of Jesus. The author points out that this teaching was renewed in Dei Verbum, sections 7 and 18, a doctrinal Constitution of the Second Vatican Council.
'Christendom Awake' invited the author to explain what motivated him to research this subject and we have pleasure
in printing his reply:
"I was brought up to believe that the Apostles Matthew and John, together with Luke the secretary of Paul,
and Mark the companion of Peter, wrote the Gospels, Yet today it is widely accepted that the gospels were written
towards the end of the first century by unknown authors. It is said that these authors used the Gospels as a means
of expressing their faith in Jesus, not to provide historical facts. My belief that the truth of Christianity rests
on the Gospels being historically reliable provided the motivation for my research.
I soon realized that the present dominant view is based on Markan Priority [The theory that the first Gospel to
be written was that by Mark]. Following lengthy research, the fallacies in the theory became apparent. I also learnt
that a small but growing number of Catholic and Protestant scripture scholars had returned to the earliest evidence.
They were interpreting the historical, scientific and doctrinal evidence to support the view Christianity has maintained
for near 2000 years"
Dennis Barton.
The
Authors of the Gospels provides much historical, scientific and doctrinal information,
which is not to be found with ease in modern books and Study Manuals. It also settles many of the controversies
that have plagued scriptural and catechetical circles in recent history. Short outlines are available in The Gospels are Historical and Why,
When and How the Gospels?
These are available, in html and pdf formats, on the website: www.CHURCHinHISTORY.org
Version: 4th November 2006
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