If this principle holds true in the
realm of politics, then certainly it should apply all the more when we dare to
approach the throne of God. What does it mean to be a Christian? What does God
expect of us? What must we do to be saved? Far too often we passively follow a
family custom, settle for pat answers, and ease into a life of half-hearted
devotion. I know, because that’s exactly how I spent the first 28 years of my
life.
In his book, The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved, J. Phillips challenges every
believer to question the old assumptions and think for himself. We should be
guided by the dictates of Scripture, rather than church tradition or some medieval
creed or legend.
I couldn’t agree more.
His thesis: The apostle John is not
the author of the Gospel that we commonly attribute to him. The testimony of
the New Testament itself makes this clear in many places, if only we care
enough to look. Further, the NT strongly suggests a different author, someone
we already know. (I won’t spoil it for you.)
Why should we question John’s
authorship?
For one, the Synoptics record John’s
presence at certain important events (such as the Transfiguration) that are conspicuously
absent from the fourth Gospel. Why would John fail to report something that he
witnessed with his own eyes?
Second, we all know that Peter was
pre-eminent among the apostles. So why would John claim to be “THE (singular) disciple
whom Jesus loved?”
He may be right. Yet for me it
seems a dangerous business for any modern man to dictate what a holy scribe should have recorded. And of course, we know that John was indeed
among the “executive committee” that also included Peter and James.
Clearly the author’s research is
solid, his intentions are noble, and his conclusions appear reasonable. Still, it
seems to this observer that Phillips has chosen a very strange hill to die on.
The current version is a fifth edition, which suggests that he has devoted decades
– perhaps a lifetime – to the study of this question.
But to what end? Does he deny the
divine origin of the fourth Gospel? Nope. Does he believe that it contains some
dangerous misinformation about the life and ministry of Christ? Negative. Again,
he might be right. But so what? I don’t get it.
As for me, both in my writing and
my reading, I consider myself a practical theologian. That is, I’m interested in
subjects that might help me (or others) understand the heart of God. Or refute
some old heresy. Or learn how to pray. Or perhaps even suggest a new model for
worship or church governance. But this book seems to be purely academic, with
no real-life application.
I think back to the Pharisees of
the first century. They studied the Scriptures constantly, and looked forward
to the coming of the Messiah. Then he showed up. And they didn’t recognize him.
Lord, when you come again, may I
not be caught with my nose in a book.
I review books for BookCrash.
I review books for BookCrash.
I found out in Grad School that the way to make your name in Academia is to tear apart some solidly held belief.
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