Quote:
Originally Posted by WT Sharpe
I think the best way to read the Gospels is to begin with Mark since it was the earliest gospel (probably written around 70 C.E.) and one of the sources that Luke and the author of Matthew used for a template in writing their gospels. Under no circumstances do I recommend starting with John since it was written so much later and is so far removed from the actual history. Keeping in mind that each of the four authors had their own particular theological ax to grind will go a long way toward understanding what they were trying to convey. Another good book to read in tandem would be the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, whose dating is disputed, but which offers insight into aspects of Christian theology that didn't become orthodox.
In my opinion, the best way of all to begin reading the New Testament would be to first read those Pauline epistles whose authenticity is considered undisputed by a consensus of Biblical scholars (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon), and the Book of James, since these predate the gospels. In this way, one can get a sense of the grown of Christian doctrines. James is particularly interesting because of the author's serious doctrinal disagreement with Paul over the nature of faith verses works.
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Thank you! I started with Luke because the episode of the series that I watched last night concentrated on him. I should probably have started with Paul (who was the main subject of the previous episode) but I wanted a reminder on the life and teachings of Jesus. I'll try to check Marc if I manage to keep this up, usually my bouts of interest in the Bible are rather short-lived. There is so much in these texts written so long ago that I don't understand. Some of the parables already got me
