Synoptic Problem

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 286, 3 December 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Synoptic Problem

Thoughtful readers of the Gospels have been struck with the close verbal resemblances between the first three. In a number of cases the words and phrases are identical. What is the explanation? This ifi the question that has mainly created for scholars what is known as the synoptic problem, a problem that ha« occupied their attention and close study for more than a century. There are also the problems raised by the fourth Gospel, which differs from the other three in outlook, style, vocabulary and content. The Student Christian Movement Press have published a book by the Rev. Alan Richardson, an English vicar, "The Gospels in the' Making," in which he presents and discusses the different views that have been held, and the latest views of scholars, which run counter to some previously held. He also explains the various methods of criticism that have been followed, including the post-war method known as form-cr.tic'sm Mr. Richardson intends the book for readers who are unacquainted with these views and I methods, and believes that it will strengthen their hold on "religious oTrtaf • PJE, their devotif >n to HW?" 4- islucidly written and is reform will decide for for conch>e,ons to accept, tor, after all, they are largely theoretic.