Hidden Gospels How the Search for Jesus Lost Its Way

Author/creator Jenkins, Philip Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoNew York : Oxford University Press, Incorporated
Description272 p. 05.390 x 08.070 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

Summary Annotation This incisive critique thoroughly and convincingly debunks the claims that recently discovered texts such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and even the Dead Sea Scrolls undermine the historical validity of the New Testament.Jenkins places the recent controversies surrounding the hidden gospels in a broad historical context and argues that, far from being revolutionary, such attempts to find an alternative Christianity date back at least to the Enlightenment. By employing the appropriate scholarly and historical methodologies, he demonstrates that the texts purported to represent pristine Christianity were in fact composed long after the canonical gospels found in the Bible. Produced by obscure heretical movements, these texts have attracted much media attention chiefly because they seem to support radical, feminist, and post-modern positions in the modern church. Indeed, Jenkins shows how best-selling books on the "hidden gospels" have been taken up by an uncritical, drama-hungry media as the basis for a social movement that could have powerful effects on the faith and practice of contemporary Christianity.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780195156317
ISBN0195156315 (Trade Paper) On Demand
Standard identifier# 9780195156317
Stock number00020142