The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Tradition
Eddy and Boyd take an entirely different stance, however. They contend that we should treat the synoptic as we do any other historical text. And they assert that when we do, we find it to be true that there are plausible grounds to view the synoptics as veritable history. Their cumulative contention is that the general reliability of the synoptic portrayal of Jesus is such that the a posteriori burden of proof is upon those who think otherwise. Moreover, they contend that when the early Jesus tradition is assessed from an orally-oriented perspective, that the legendary Jesus hypothesis is difficult to maintain.
Though the authors write in common syntax and vernacular, this book is intended for an academic audience, as it is laden with technical arguments and bountiful footnotes. Thus, I would not direct the potential reader to approach this text half-heartedly. Rather, for those potential readers who come to this text with intention and focus, they will be richly rewarded.
Reviewed by Bradford McCall
Category: Biblical Studies, Fall 2008, Pneuma Review
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