Synoptic Problem and Redaction Criticism: An Introductory Survey Cover Image

Sinoptik Problem ve Redaksiyon Kritiği: Giriş Mahiyetinde Bir Değerlendirme
Synoptic Problem and Redaction Criticism: An Introductory Survey

Author(s): Zafer Duygu
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion, Sociology of Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İlahyat Fakültesi
Keywords: History of Religions; History of Christianity; Synoptic Gospels; Synoptic Problem; Redaction Criticism; Jesus;

Summary/Abstract: The Synoptic Problem is a puzzle that scholars have desired to solve since the 18th century. The discussion has a religious background, because it is about the first three canonical Gospels of the Church, namely Matthew, Mark and Luke, which came to be called the Synoptic Gospels. The discussion, in the most basic context, concentrates on the point that there is a possible relationship or connection between the Synoptic Gospels and that each one is substantially similar to another but at the same time includes different aspects. This theoretical discussion separates the Gospel of John from the Synoptic Gospels and does not see it as a main source for the history of Jesus. The method of discussion is based on the reading of the Synoptic Gospels from a birds-eye-view, as seen together, and as comparatively in relation to each other. The aim of the discussion is to reach accurate historical information about Jesus and the birth of Christianity by analyzing the possible relationship between the Synoptic Gospels through their sources. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the solution of the Synoptic Problem. However, all the modern studies in the context of the problem are carried out by Western scholars. In other words, Synoptic Problem is a relatively unknown subject in the Turkish academic circles. So in this paper the aim is to draw the attention of the Turkish academy to the substance and framework of the Synoptic Problem through an introductory survey. In addition, some results that can be reached in this context will be exemplified by getting help from the redaction criticism.

  • Issue Year: 23/2019
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 521-544
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Turkish