Understanding the Gospels

Book excerpt: The last two hundred years show the emergence of an enormous growth industry in the field of Biblical analysis, particularly on the evidence presented in the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. But most often the exhaustive analysis brought to bear on the Gospels is dominated by a biased point-of-view against their authenticity. Authors who have taken the position of “liberal” criticism claim that the Gospels do not show the true Jesus, but one who has been idealized and mythologized by his followers. Written by faculty from the University of Navarre, this book takes the approach of a careful study of the texts and their surrounding circumstances to show that the Gospels are both a reflection of the Apostles’ preaching about Jesus as well as trustworthy historical testimonies to his life and work.