Apocryphal and Gnostic Gospels Further Evaluated
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Lesson
Now that we have seen some of the criteria that historians use to judge the reliability of an ancient document, we will use those same criteria on the apocryphal and gnostic gospels. Blomberg uses the twelve criteria of historical reliability.
Outline
I. TEXTUAL CRITICISM
Few number of manuscripts, with contradictions
II. AUTHORSHIP
Unknown
III. DATING
Earliest possible dating is late second century, up to fifth and sixth
IV. IDEOLOGICAL BIAS
Bias is possible since much of the information was given in secret
V. STATE OF THE ORAL TRADITION
Oral tradition of Jesus was fading by the second half of the second century
VI. LITERARY DEPENDENCE
More probably that Thomas relied on the canonical Gospels and not the reverse
VII. LITERARY GENRE
There are no documents that cover the span of Jesus’ life as do the canonical gospels, despite Dan Brown
VIII. HARD SAYINGS
Anti-Semitic and misogynistic attitudes don’t match
IX. KEY MISSING TOPICS
Jesus’ humanity
X. NON-CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY
Only one Quran text supports an apocryphal statement
XI. ARCHAEOLOGY
No supporting evidence because the apocryphal gospels don’t mention historical places or people
XII. OTHER EARLY CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY
Rejected by the church
