John and Thomas: Gospels in conflict? A study in Johannine characterization in light of the Thomas question.

by Christopher W. Skinner

One recent development in American Thomasine studies is the hypothesis that the Fourth Gospel is a response to the Gospel of Thomas (or the ideas contained therein) and contains a significant polemic against the character known as Thomas. The proponents of this hypothesis conclude that this "polemic" is evidence of a conflict between the early communities associated with John and Thomas. This hypothesis, while highly complex, begins with a basic premise that can be falsified. Thomas is one example of an uncomprehending character in the Fourth Gospel. A detailed narrative study of the Fourth Gospel reveals a host of Johannine disciples (Thomas, Peter, Andrew, Philip, Judas [not Iscariot], and the disciples as a representative group) as well as non-disciples (Nicodemus, the Samaritan Woman, Mary, and Martha) that appear in an equally unflattering light where Jesus' abilities, origins, mission, words, and deeds are concerned. This dissertation aims to challenge the assumption that the Fourth Gospel contains a polemic against the Gospel of Thomas, the Thomas-sayings tradition, or the community associated with Thomas by examining these uncomprehending characters.

316 pages, NOOKstudy eTextbook

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Christopher W. Skinner is Professor of New Testament/Early Christianity at Loyola University Chicago. He holds a PhD in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America (2008). He previously taught at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore Maryland (2005-2010), and Mount Olive College in North Carolina (2010-2016) where he was the 2013-2014 Professor of the Year. He has also taught at East Carolina University (2014-2015) and Loyola University Maryland (2008-2009). In addition to publishing nearly three dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, he has authored or edited eleven books. His work explores the intersection of literary and historical questions in the narratives about Jesus both within and outside the New Testament.