In Chapter II of The Gnostic Gospels, “One God, One Bishop”, Pagels outline how the Orthodox Christians seek to exclude the Gnostics with a creed that confirms one true God. Pagels intent is to describe how both religions differentiate in their meaning of how God shows his sovereignty. The creed was to help identify the Orthodox from the Gnostics “by confessing one God, who is both “Father Almighty” and “Maker of heaven and earth” (28). The Gnostics claim the Orthodox Christians worship a false God because of their “all-good” God creating a fallen world. Through discovering texts in history, Pagels support a claim from Marcion (a dualist) who believes there are two different Gods.
The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew, who was also called Levi. Matthew was a tax collector that gave up everything he owned to become one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew because of his background of being a tax collector was able to write down events in a more orderly and factual way. This book was written to the Jews in the period of what is estimated to be between A.D. 55-65. Matthew’s intent was to reach out to the Jews and prove to them, that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah that the Jewish prophets of the Old Testament had foretold of.
In chapter 3 of Speaking of Jesus, Carl Medearis talks about what it means to own Christianity. He says "If we don't truly know what the gospel is, we have to find an explanation for Christianity." Meaning that if we do not know what the gospel is or what it is teaching us, then we try to define it by our own standards, and that is where it gets messy. Medearis talks about how Christianity is more than a religion, but it is a relationship and people tend to not understand that. He explains why people are so defensive and put up their guards towards Christians, because Christians can be so judgemental.
Thank you Sr. Maryalice Mrema for leading this week! I agree with you that Matthew's Gospel is not anti-Jewish. I would like to share my reflection as follows: I was struck by the question “Who is the Jews” (Englund 13). Is it me?
Evans argues that the Gospel writers were skilled historians who were capable of accurately recording historical information. He cites evidence such as the inclusion of specific details about people and places, which suggests that the writers had firsthand knowledge of the events they describe. Ehrman, however, contends that the Gospel writers were not professional historians, and that they often included details that were not historically accurate. He cites examples such as the accounts of Jesus' birth and childhood, which he argues are largely mythical and not based on actual historical
The Dust Bowl was a tragic occurrence that lasted nine years throughout the 1930’s. A time when the farming industry was barren and people were poor. A time when millions lost their homes and were forced to move. The Dust Bowl ruined homes, families, and land. This is a time that will never be forgotten.
While writing his eyes are filled with tears and his heart swell with adoration. After writing about crucifixion, he plans to add more after gathering information from Mary and Jesus’ disciples. He visits many places and gets firsthand information about Jesus. The physician meets James and John ‘Sons of thunderstorm’ (465),informs them that he is a Christian and about the gospel he is writing. John starts explaining about Christ’s miracles and His teachings, John the Baptist and the great revelations.
Matthew begins immediately in chapter 1 presenting Jesus Christ as the King and Messiah that the Jews had long been awaiting. They had been in exile and dispersed, and were under the rule of the Roman empire. They had experienced 400 years of silence since they had received any open revelation from God. It was a desperate time as they awaited the deliverer, the Messiah, the promised king of the O.T. prophesies. Many had come to the place of hopelessness, while others still faithfully prayed for this savior to come.
When Jesus taught, he primarily used Jewish concepts in his teachings.
It is believed that each Gospel is named after its author and therefore John is possibly the author of the Gospel of John and was written at approximately 100 CE. Also, the text points out the Jesus is conversing with Thomas as “Jesus replied” which indicates that Jesus is the author. During their conversation, Thomas indicated concern over not knowing where Jesus is going. This could mean that Jesus is foreshadowing that he will soon undergo great sufferings, die, and rise again 3 days later. If so, these events occurred during what is now known as Holy week.
William Tyndale and his desire to translate an English Bible came upon the scene when the Roman Catholic Church had tremendous control over what happened in Europe. England was no exception. One of the factors that insured the Church's complete control over the people was the lack of common Biblical knowledge. With no English translation, the Popish leaders could create any doctrine or impose any notions that pleased them without opposition. Tyndale wanted even the lowest citizens to be able to read the Scriptures and make knowledgeable deductions from that, not believe only what others told them.
In the bible there are only these four books that tell the same story. These gospels all say that it has been mentioned in the Old Testament. Before we get into it, what does gospel mean? The word comes from a Greek word euangelion, which means “good news”. It is said throughout these fours books to believe the good news of Jesus.
R.I.P Randy! Christ Jesus sometime calls home good people early that the world would become aware that a light has left; you were one of those lights. You did not suffer as a thief or a murderer, henceforth, your family and friends are not ashamed. We know that you are in a better place, so don’t worry about us (family & friends) we can only hope to laugh with you again. Randy, I don’t believe that the young should go and leave the old, therefore, I am so sorry that I was not there to protect you from that depraved boy.
There is confusion between other Gospel manuscripts (like which are
Everyone knows the gospels are very important to the Catholic Church, But why? We read them at mass every Sunday so they must have a deeper meaning. Well that’s just it. They teach about Jesus’ life on earth, his death and resurrection. They might differ from each other but that is because they were written by four different authors.
