Why are we reading all the Gospels?

[Desert Snake]

Why aren't we just reading one Gospel? What's the point of reading them all?

 

[Tiapan]

You mean like the gospels of Thomas, Marcion, Basilides, Truth (Valentinian), the Four Heavenly Realms, Mary, Judas, the Egyptians, Philip etc. or Matthew, Mark, Luke and John etc.

 

[Desert Snake]

You mean like the gospels of Thomas, Marcion, Basilides, Truth (Valentinian), the Four Heavenly Realms, Mary, Judas, the Egyptians, Philip etc. or Matthew, Mark, Luke and John etc.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

 

[Lyndon]

So you only accept the gospels blessed and promoted by the early Roman Catholic church??

 

[psychoslice]

Since the first Council of Nicaea back around 326.ad we were dictated to what books should be read, and all the rest were burnt

 

[Desert Snake]

So you only accept the gospels blessed and promoted by the early Roman Catholic church??

I'm just referring to those. Feel free to contribute whatever opinion you might have on the subject.
Actually, we can talk about any Gospel, which are legit, which aren't, etc.

 

[fantome profane]

Why aren't we just reading one Gospel? What's the point of reading them all?

It's a good question. And if I can add a related question. Why do you think they were written? I mean if the Gospel of Mark was already written and it was "inspired by God", why would somebody write another Gospel?

 

[Lyndon]

Truly great men often have multiple biographers, even today.

 

[fantome profane]

Truly great men often have multiple biographers, even today.

Good point. And no two biographies ever agree on all points. And they all contain errors.

 

[Lyndon]

That's why its of benefit to have multiple sources. One source only rarely shows the whole picture, but to really get the whole picture of Jesus, you have to go well outside the Biblical gospels and see the gospels that were considered heretical by the Roman Catholics as well, although the Catholics tried to burn all the other gospels, quite a few have survived, even the Catholic church was known to keep at least on copy each of the banned scriptures in its secret library.

 

[Desert Snake]

That's why its of benefit to have multiple sources. One source only rarely shows the whole picture, but to really get the whole picture of Jesus, you have to go well outside the Biblical gospels and see the gospels that were considered heretical by the Roman Catholics as well, although the Catholics tried to burn all the other gospels, quite a few have survived, even the Catholic church was known to keep at least on copy each of the banned scriptures in its secret library.

It is a problem when they contradict. It is fine, for my own reading, because I'll just choose the version that suits my beliefs. But if someone presents conflicting narrative, and says it doesn't conflict, there is an issue.
One problem with your idea, is that, at that point, why even have Scripture; we can just make up our own beliefs from the 'choices' presented?

 

[psychoslice]

For me with spiritual discernment I am pulled towards that which is for me personally, we all think differently, we all are at a level of consciousness, and at that level we will be drawn to that which is meant for us for that particular time in our lives.

 

[Quetzal]

It is a problem when they contradict. It is fine, for my own reading, because I'll just choose the version that suits my beliefs. But if someone presents conflicting narrative, and says it doesn't conflict, there is an issue.
One problem with your idea, is that, at that point, why even have Scripture; we can just make up our own beliefs from the 'choices' presented?

Interestingly, you are touching on a very important topic. Many argue that there are sects of Christianity that do just that. That is, they create an agenda or theme and then read into scripture to support said agenda.

 

[wizanda]

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

The Bible is a test, it tells you the deception comes after Yeshua...So first establish a foundation amongst the disciples; where clearly John wasn't one.

 

[rusra02]

Why aren't we just reading one Gospel? What's the point of reading them all?

Each account gives a complementary view of Jesus Life and ministry, and together the four gospels present a fuller picture of Christ's life and teachings than just one perspective can. Each gospel provides accounts not mentioned by the other gospel writers. Further, we have the assurance that "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

 

[fantome profane]

The Bible is a test, it tells you the deception comes after Yeshua...So first establish a foundation amongst the disciples; where clearly John wasn't one.

But Mark and Luke were?

 

[Nakosis]

Why aren't we just reading one Gospel? What's the point of reading them all?

I suspect in the creation of the church, they needed all four to support the theological doctrine they had decided on. The gospels they couldn't use or didn't support their doctrine they decided was not reliable.

 

[Brian Stoin]

For me (and certainly I am not alone) having the four gospels just gives us four different perspectives on Jesus' life and ministry as seen by the four writers through their individual experiences.

 

[wizanda]

But Mark and Luke were?

My guess is Mark, is John-Mark the fisherman.... As in Mark it contains the best account of the Transfiguration, where as it isn't even mentioned in the gospel of John. Thus possibly implying that the author of Mark was a possible eye witness, as he describes it 'as white as snow'; thus why give a graphical reference, unless you're describing an event you saw.

Luke is said to be a physician who tried to record the events after.... So Luke wasn't a direct disciple.... Yet at least within the account from Luke, it isn't based on hearsay evidence the Pharisees collected to discredit Yeshua; like the gospel of John does at every occasion... Though some people love that gospel, as it tells you, you get a free golden ticket into heaven for just believing the rubbish within it; even if it is forged.

 

[fantome profane]

My guess is ...

I don't see any value in this "guess".