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The advantages and also the disadvantages of having four distinct Gospels

instead of one all comprising Book are vast. This action would involve volumes of

scholarly work. However, I will attempt in this discussion board process to

summarize the key contentions. Primarily, having four distinct gospels produce by

four independent authors provides a more holistic view of the Jesus story.1 Without

this holistic approach there much that has become of value to the Christian

community that would have otherwise been lost. Much of the narrative advanced in

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are harmonious and narratives are reflected in each

account. Moreover, without this harmony much of the Churchs understanding of

the nature, ministry, and authority of Christ would be left unknown. The

understanding of the things of Christ is our foundational, and a pursuit to become

more like Master Jesus is our calling. Without the 360 degree view of the Son of

Man and Son of God fulfillment of this call would be unfruitful. Matthew presents to

the reader a deeper understanding of Christs place in the tradition and his

authority as the emerging Messiah. Mark advances the ministry of the Son of Man,

and His incredible connection with humanity. Luke provides the reader with

significant amounts of detail2, and a deeper understanding of how Christs desire

the Christian walk. John completes our view of Christs being given us the

controversial and human picture of Christ.3

One of the major disadvantages and the ammunition used by those who

believe the Bible to be myth are the perceived discrepancies between the

narratives. The aforementioned harmony becomes a tightly winded vice because

there apparent differences in accounts from Gospel to Gospel. However, this can

1 Carson, D A, and Douglas J Moo.An Introduction To The New Testament. Grand Rapids:Zondervan, 2005, 163.2 Ibid., 169.3 Ibid., 276.

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explained away when using the contention of the oral tradition by which the authors

were influenced. Over time specific s are sometimes change or modified, however

the Holy Spirit, our teacher, influenced the writers to produce their works.

A person who is inquisitive about the life and story of Christ, and is wondering

enough to seek answers is amazing individual. However, manner times fail to offer

any qualifying answer. I fall into this class of defenders many times. Many of these

seekers will assert that the Bible was changed and edited during the King James

era, and is significant different from the original writers intent. This is an

understandable assertion. However, the believer must be able to articulate that the

Scriptures are the writing breath of the Holy Spirit, and the original writers were

inspired by this same Spirit. To adequately answer this question the seeker must

be yielding to pray and ask God. James 1:5 asserts But if any of you lacks wisdom,

let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be

given to him. This is the only situation to this problem. Men cannot fully envelop

the things of God, but God is willing and able to show us.