In this insightful study, Darrell Bock examines the new textual criticism surrounding early Christianity and its contemporary ideological competitors. Big-name revisionist historians such as Elaine Pagels, Bart Ehrman and Marcus Borg pull the subtle strings of doubt many uninformed Christians, and sell thousands of books.
By contrasting scripture and writings from the early church fathers with Gnostic writings, the author delineates what early Christianity looked like, what Gnosticism is, and theories of where it came from. Many Gnostic texts are illuminated by short in-text vignettes describing their content, impact and provenance, along with longer articles bringing out the true content of these often heretical writings. A thorough refutation of Walter Bauer and the 'new school of early church interpretation' answers many questions raised by these deconstructionists, and Bock does this all with masterful skill, making the text accessible to those without familiarity of the Gnostic teachings.
Darrell L. Bock, Ph.D., is Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Bock is the Professor for Spiritual Development and Culture for the Center for Christian Leadership, as well as the editor at large for Christianity Today. He also served as a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society.
On the heels of his New York Times besteller, Breaking the Da Vinci Code, New Testament expert Darrell Bock, in an easy-to-understand writing style, helps readers examine the claims about missing "secret" gospels and other early forms of Christianity. Bock presents samples of extra-biblical materials and compares them to biblical texts, enabling readers to make their own judgments.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
5 of 5 Reviews Showing:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Godstory Ministries, Inc (Lawrenceville, GA), January 19, 2009
Good review of the Gospel materials excluded from the NT corpus. Easy reading and good treatment of unfamiliar materials.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dolores Marquez (Albuquerque, NM), December 24, 2008
This is a book filled with the kind of information one needs in order to counter so much of the error propagated by people who have tried to reconstruct the true Gospel. It's a intelligent, scholarly treatment of the subject; yet very accessable -- "putting the cookies on the lower shelf" for those of us that do not have theological degrees. I'm very pleased.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christopher Whittaker (Ellenbrook Wa 6069,), December 05, 2008
This is a thoughtful and balanced study of a subject, that of the Gnostic texts and there value to Christian studies.
Popularist fiction and even some scholars like Erhman have suggested that the gnostics would rock the foundations of christian thought and even undermine it.
Bock goes about carefully deconstructing 6 of the more complete texts and does akcnowledge scholars such as Pagels and Erhman and their contribution toward the understanding of the gnostic texts.
It is clear from Bocks writing that whilst the Gnostic texts he discusses have impacted on Christian thought it was not sufficient to add any thing of value to , or undermine the basic tenants of Gods message and the sacrifice of his son , Our Lord Jesus.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Adli (Las Vegas, NV), June 20, 2008
Excellent referance book to read for pleasure as well. Style is easy to read and not "DRY" or boring .Material has a pleasing flow. Great book to give to anyone who likes verifiable references.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by John Thornton (Spring Branch, TX), June 20, 2008
Paul fought the ever encroaching gnostic influences during his ministry at Corinth and other areas. Man finds it difficult to let go of all his preconceptions and reasonings on life and often has a hard time enjoying simple grace. Only by study and faith in the fact that nothing other than the Gospels we have today, along with simple grace matters. History should remind us that the devil always produces counterfeits to combat truth.
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