Independence hypothesis
Theory Information | |
---|---|
Order | No relationship |
Additional Sources | No additional sources |
Theory History | |
Proponents | Eta Linnemann |
This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2013) ) |
The Independence hypothesis is a proposed solution to the
are each original compositions formed independently of each other, with no documentary relationship.Scholars have long noted that the three
The similarities among the synoptic gospels, the whole basis for the synoptic problem, are held to be, first of all, vastly overstated, and secondly, explainable as artifacts of relying on the same witnesses or of different witnesses to the same events.
The witnesses to the gospel content, especially apostles such as
Some see the independence theory as especially consistent with divine inspiration of the gospels, with the similarities among the gospels explained by the Holy Spirit ensuring a faithful record of Christ's words and deeds.
Protestant theologian Eta Linnemann argues that the reason for four independent Gospels stems from the legal principle of Deuteronomy 19:15: "On the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed."
See also
- Oral gospel tradition
- Hebrew gospel hypothesis
- Criterion of multiple attestation
References
Sources
- Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony (2006).
- Werner Kelber, The Oral-Scribal-Memorial Arts of Communication in Early Christianity (2008).
- Eta Linnemann, Is There a Synoptic Problem?: Rethinking the Literary Dependence of the First Three Gospels (1992).
- Bo Reicke, The Roots of the Synoptic Gospels (1986).
- John M. Rist, On the Independence of Matthew and Mark (1978).
- Robert L. Thomas (ed.), Three Views on the Origins of the Synoptic Gospels (2002).
- John W. Wenham, Redating Matthew, Mark, and Luke: A Fresh Assault on the Synoptic Problem (1991).