The Bible: A Critical Analysis Of The Four Gospels

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The word “critical” often conjures the incorrect image of negativity. If the Four Gospels are to be analysed critically would this study find loopholes only? This need not be the case, as the Four Gospels, and the Bible as a whole, has withstood the test of time. As a stand-alone text, the Bible has proven its accuracy in its portrayal of events, its authorship, and its date of writing. Though scholars have tried to use both textual and literary criticism to discredit the Four Gospels, there are an equal number of scholars, using these same tools, who have proved that the Four Gospels have an accurate portrayal of events. Therefore, a critical analysis need not be a negative research of the Four Gospels, as it can be a faithful study which supports it. Before any conclusions can be made regarding the Four Gospels, it is important to establish their message. The core message of the Four Gospels is the kerygma of Jesus Christ. Any analysis that considers Jesus Christ and his proclamations historically inaccurate, make the whole Bible worthless. Arguments swing widely between them being either accurate in their portrayal of historical events, or that very few of the events described took place. Many scholars would agree that Christ is a historical figure. The issues that cause controversy are the miraculous events surrounding His life. For this reason, researching the historical accuracy of the setting in the Gospels is crucial to the argument regarding the authenticity of