APO107 – Uncontradicting The Gospels

Description

APO107 – Uncontradicting The Gospels

In this course, students will confront one of the most common challenges to the Christian faith: the alleged contradictions within the four Gospels. Through a careful and respectful examination of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we will explore how apparent discrepancies can be understood within the broader context of ancient biography, eyewitness testimony, and divine inspiration. Students will be equipped to think critically and faithfully about the nature of Gospel harmony and the trustworthiness of the biblical accounts of Jesus.

We will investigate key passages that are often cited as problematic, analyzing differences in chronology, wording, and detail. Attention will be given to literary style, authorial intent, and the theological emphases of each Gospel writer. The course will also address how harmonization efforts have been approached throughout church history, from early church fathers to contemporary apologists, offering students a robust framework for dealing with difficult texts.

As part of the course, students will reflect on the implications of Gospel reliability for their personal faith and witness. Can the Gospels be both divinely inspired and humanly written? How do we respond to skeptical claims with both grace and truth? By the end of the course, students will not only have gained tools for addressing Gospel “contradictions” but also a renewed confidence in the coherence and credibility of the story of Jesus as told through the fourfold witness of the New Testament.