John and Thomas: Gospels in Conflict?: Johannine Characterization and the Thomas Question

by Christopher W. Skinner

The hypothesis that the Fourth Gospel is a theological response to the Gospel of Thomas is a recent development in the study of the New Testament and early Christianity. Assuming an early date for the Gospel of Thomas, the proponents of this hypothesis argue that the supposed "polemical" presentation of Thomas in the Fourth Gospel is evidence of a conflict between the early communities associated respectively with John and Thomas. However, a detailed narrative study reveals that the Fourth Gospel portrays a host of characters--disciples and non-disciples--in an equally unflattering light where an understanding of Jesus's origins, message, and mission are concerned. The present study attempts to demonstrate that the Fourth Gospel's presentation of Thomas is part and parcel of its treatment of "uncomprehending" characters. If this thesis is correct, it poses a significant challenge to the assumption that the Fourth Gospel contains a polemic against Thomas, or that it was written in response to the Gospel of Thomas or the community associated with Thomas.

270 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

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.