Product Description

Examines the inroads of historical criticism into evangelical scholarship. Though evangelicals reject many extreme conclusions of liberal scholars, some have adopted their same methodology in the interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels, creating a crisis in evangelical scholarship. The authors show how adopting such methodologies are affecting the next generation of pastors, teachers, and scholars.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #715665 in Books
• Published on: 1998-09-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 420 pages

About the Author
Robert L. Thomas (Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at The Master's Seminary in Sun Valley California. He is the general editor of The Jesus Crisis (with F. David Farnell), The Master's Perspective on Contemporary Issues and The Master's Perspective on Difficult Passages.

F. David Farnell is Associate Professor of New Testament at The Master's Seminary.

Customer Reviews

A Wonderful and much needed ne analysis of Higher Criticism
This is one of the best analysis of Higher Biblical Criticism available. Two evangelical Biblical scholars (Thomas & Farnell) tackle this issues quite ably. They begin by discussing the roots of Higher Biblical Criticism and the trends it has undergone up to the present day. Moreover, the authors do in fact cover B. Spinoza's influence on the overall issue, something that many books of this kind neglect (Spinoza could be considered one of the "father's" of Higher Criticism). Furthermore, the authors deal with the philosophical rub of higher criticism (i.e. philosophical hermeneutics) as well as the areas of source criticism and redaction criticism. Another positive aspect of the book is the fact that these authors discuss the well known Biblical scholar Eta Linnemann (former student of Rudolf Bultmann - I had the privilege of hearing her speak on these very issues). Linnemann has some of the strongest refutations of Higher Biblical Criticism still in print today. Lastly, these authors discuss the inroads of higher criticism into evangelical circles and the dangers and problems that it causes in the areas of apologetics, the gospel, preaching, and especially hermeneutics. While the topics at hand can be somewhat difficult, these authors have brought the issues back down to earth and written in such a way that a wide ranged audience will be able to enjoy the contents. This is a definitive work in this area, and a must read for evangelicals (and/or other Biblical conservatives) who find men like J. Crossan, M. Borg, R. Funk (the current adherents to many of the issues of Higher Biblical Criticism) and others intimidating. I highly recommend this book.

A must read for anyone studying or teaching the gospels.
This book shows you the dangers found in much of evangelical scholarship regarding critical study of the gospels. It is an invaluable tool for anyone who wishes to understand how to approach a study of the gospels without compromising the integrity of the texts.

Question authority!
The Synoptic Problem relates to why there is so much similar material in Matthew, Mark, and Luke's Gospels. Was there copying, and if so, who wrote in what order? The Jesus Crisis is a much needed work to counterbalance the prevailing "Q theory" or "2 source theory". This critical theory was conceived by non-believers, but has crept into Christian seminaries almost unnoticed. While its origin doesn't invalidate the theory, it should cause it to be examined closely. Unfortunately, that is not happening, as the Q theory has taken on canonical status. Thomas and company ask the important questions about the weaknesses in the prevailing solution to the Synoptic Problem. Even if they are eventually proven wrong, their willingness to go against the grain in the pursuit of truth is commendable.