{"product_id":"the-apocryphal-gospels-a-very-short-introduction-9780199236947","title":"The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction","description":"This Very Short Introduction offers a clear, accessible, and concise account of the apocryphal gospels--exploring their origins, their discovery, and discussing how the various texts have been interpreted both within and outside the Church. Looking at texts ranging from the \u003cem\u003eGospels from Nag Hammadi\u003c\/em\u003e to the \u003cem\u003eDialogues with the Risen Savior\u003c\/em\u003e, Paul Foster shows how the apocryphal gospels reflect the diversity that existed within early Christianity, and considers the extent to which they can be used to reconstruct an accurate portrait of the historical Jesus. Foster demonstrates how close analysis of text, contents, and context are vital in assessing the value and authenticity of such ancient documents. Including discussions of controversies and case-studies such as the alleged hoax surrounding the discovery of \u003cem\u003eSecret Mark\u003c\/em\u003e, Foster concludes that the non-canonical texts, considered in the correct context, can help us reach a more complete understanding of the multi-faceted nature of early Christianity. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Series: \u003c\/strong\u003e Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, \u003cstrong\u003e Very Short Introductions\u003c\/strong\u003e offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Foster\u003c\/strong\u003e is Lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature \u0026amp; Theology, University of Edinburgh.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Oxford University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50872472600850,"sku":"9780199236947","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_8a4894df-a188-4b01-969a-6cc1a3d6f0b5.jpg?v=1737899101","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-apocryphal-gospels-a-very-short-introduction-9780199236947","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}