The Writing of the Christian Gospels - Print

The Writing of the Christian Gospels
How and Why the Gospels Were Written

By Rick Herrick

An accessible and thought-provoking exploration of how the Christian Gospels were crafted, shedding new light on their historical development and enduring significance.

Gain fresh insight into:

• How the Gospels were shaped by oral tradition and community needs
• The historical contexts that influenced Gospel writers
• The literary methods used to craft Gospel narratives
• Why the Gospels differ from each other in content and emphasis
• How early Christian communities used these texts in worship and teaching
• What modern readers can learn about the theological intentions behind the texts
• How understanding Gospel formation enriches contemporary faith and interpretation

Features

• A clear, concise analysis suitable for clergy, students, and lay readers
• Draws on the latest scholarly research without academic jargon
• Explains oral tradition and its role in early Christian storytelling
• Highlights key differences and similarities among the four Gospels
• Encourages critical thinking and informed faith engagement

Paperback, 134pp
0.79 cm H x 22.86 cm L x 15.24 cm W (0.19 kg)
ISBN: 9798385237890
Wipf & Stock Publishers (2025)

[6 in stock 4 April 2025]

Description

Why were the Christian Gospels written, and how did they come to be the texts we know today? The Writing of the Christian Gospels offers an accessible yet rigorous examination of these crucial questions.

Rick Herrick draws readers into the dynamic world of the early church, revealing how faith communities preserved and adapted the teachings of Jesus in response to their historical and theological challenges.

This book explores the oral storytelling tradition that initially carried Jesus' message, highlighting the transition from spoken word to written text.

Herrick explains how the Gospel writers shaped their accounts to address the specific needs of their audiences, resulting in distinct yet interrelated narratives.

He examines why certain stories and teachings were included, why others were left out, and how the unique theological aims of each writer influenced their final works.

Written for church leaders, lay worship leaders, and spiritually minded individuals, The Writing of the Christian Gospels provides a fresh perspective on these sacred texts.

Whether you're preparing sermons, leading Bible studies, or deepening your personal faith, this book will expand your understanding and appreciation of the Gospels’ origins and purpose.

About the Author

Rick Herrick is a former university professor and magazine editor with a PhD from Tulane University. He is the author of several books, including A Christian Foreign Policy and Religious Lies and Gnostic Wisdom. His expertise lies in making complex religious and historical subjects accessible to general audiences.

Contents

• Introduction
• Oral Tradition and the Formation of the Gospels
• The Historical Jesus and the Christ of Faith
• The Gospel of Mark: The First Written Gospel
• The Gospel of Matthew: A Jewish-Christian Perspective
• The Gospel of Luke: Universalism and Compassion
• The Gospel of John: Theology and Symbolism
• Why the Gospels Were Written
• What the Gospels Mean for Today
• Conclusion