Description: "A reappraisal of the Synoptic problem and the literary relationship between the Gospel of John and the Synoptics"--
Brief description: 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.
Review Quotes:
"While scholars will undoubtedly find points of debate with Barker, his overall theoretical framework is a commendable contribution to understanding how the canonical Gospels relate to one another. The work successfully demonstrates that literary dependence and authorial independence need not be mutually exclusive, providing a nuanced model for understanding the complex relationships that shaped the formation of our canonical Gospel collection. For anyone engaged with questions of Gospel origins and relationships, Barker's study represents reading that will undoubtedly influence future discussions in this area of NT scholarship."
--Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
"This book will be of value to anyone interested in the composition of the Gospels and the relationship between them."
--Theology
"Writing and Rewriting the Gospels is a significant and stimulating work that deserves the close attention of New Testament scholars. It challenges established assumptions, reinvigorates old debates, and opens new lines of inquiry into how the story of Jesus came to be told and retold in written form. While some of its claims invite further testing and dialogue, the book succeeds as a creative and substantive contribution to this field. Scholars interested in the literary formation of the gospels, the relationship between John and the Synoptics, and the theological dynamics of early Christian narratives will find this volume to be a thought-provoking and valuable resource."
--Review of Biblical Literature
"James Barker is one of the most creative and engaging scholars working in Gospels research today. This book combines his pedagogical sensitivities with an encyclopedic knowledge of ancient Christian texts and compositional practices. The end result is a potentially field-altering study that argues for a 'snowballing trajectory' for our canonical gospels and ably demonstrates the Fourth Gospel's awareness of and dependence upon the Synoptics. This book is a game-changer!"
--Christopher W. Skinner, Loyola University Chicago
--James F. McGrath, Butler University "This entertaining book will shape Gospel scholarship for decades. Barker documents a snowballing trajectory of influence from Mark through Matthew, then Luke, and finally John, each building upon the others. His work on the mechanics of ancient writing will enrich every reader. Although this book is deeply learned, sparkling writing and creative pop culture references make it a joy to read."
--Greg Carey, Lancaster Theological Seminary "Writing and Rewriting the Gospels isn't so much a study as a revelation--a convincing glimpse into the hidden processes behind the creation of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Examining a wide range of ancient evidence and drawing on his firsthand experience preparing waxed tablets and papyrus rolls, Barker demolishes many common assumptions about how the gospels were composed. Read it and see the gospel authors come to life."
--Hugo Méndez, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill