The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction

The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction by Paul Foster

This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels - exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both by the Church and beyond. Looking at texts from the Gospels from Nag Hammadi to the Dialogues with the Risen Saviour, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and examines the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of Secret Mark, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, offer us an important window on the vibrant and multi-faceted face of early Christianity. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

"Very Short" could just as truthfully be described as "Very Informative".. Illuminating and accessible. * Methodist Recorder *
He writes with elegance and clarity, and presents... complex arguments... with simplicity and grace. * John Drane, Baptist Times *
Fascinating reading. * David Sexton, Evening Standard *

Paul Foster is Lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature & Theology, University of Edinburgh. His publications include Community, Law and Mission in Matthew's Gospel, (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2004); The So-called Gospel of Peter - An Introduction and Commentary (Oxford: OUP, 2007) in preparation. The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers (London: Continuum, 2006), an edited collection of essays; Justin and his Worlds (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2007), a collection of articles edited with Dr Sara Parvis.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780199236947
ISBN 10	0199236941
Title	The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction
Author	Paul Foster
Series	Very Short Introductions
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Year published	2009-02-26
Number of pages	160
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable