The Gospels Behind the Gospels

In The Gospels Behind the Gospels, Robert M. Price proposes that there were earlier Jesus narratives that were later combined into the canonical gospels, explaining why they have conflicting understandings of Jesus. He also suggests that Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ were originally figureheads of rival sects that merged.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Pitchstone Publishing

In his groundbreaking work, "The Gospels Behind the Gospels," Robert M. Price delves into a fascinating hypothesis that suggests we have been missing a crucial stage in the development of the canonical gospels. According to Price, there existed a whole raft of prior Jesus narratives, the fragmentary vestiges of which can now be found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This revelation would explain why these gospels appear overcrowded with conflicting understandings of Jesus, known as Christologies.

Price's research takes us on a journey to uncover these earlier gospels, which were written by communities who had diverse interpretations of Jesus. These communities imagined Jesus as the predicted return of the prophet Elijah, the Samaritan Taheb (a second Moses), a resurrected John the Baptist, a theophany of Yahweh, a Gnostic Revealer, a Zealot revolutionary, and many other roles. As these various sects dwindled and collapsed, their surviving followers would have come together, much like modern churches and denominations seek to survive by merging and consolidating.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Price's work is his exploration of the possibility that Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ were originally figureheads of rival sects that eventually merged. Price argues that these individuals and their followers were likely influenced by the same religious and cultural contexts, and they may have come together to form a new movement or denomination. This merger would have occurred over time, as these sects sought to appeal to a broader audience and consolidate their power.

The implications of Price's hypothesis are profound. It challenges our traditional understanding of the gospels and suggests that there was a more complex and diverse history behind their creation. It also raises questions about the role of these earlier narratives in shaping the Christian faith and the development of Christologies.

In conclusion, "The Gospels Behind the Gospels" is a must-read for anyone interested in biblical scholarship and the history of Christianity. Robert M. Price's innovative research provides a fresh perspective on the canonical gospels and sheds light on the complex and diverse origins of the Christian faith. This book will forever change the way we read and interpret the gospels, and it will inspire us to explore the rich tapestry of religious traditions and beliefs that have shaped our world.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781634312387