THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM

The Synoptic Problem is one of the main components of the AS course. Links to pages which deal with this issue may be found below.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM

Synoptic Problem This web site by Stephen Carlson is constantly updated. It is a very good introduction to the aspects of the Synoptic Problem.

Synoptic problem key facts This page contains FAQ about authorship of the gospels and the way in which authors used their sources. Brief and brilliant! (20 key issues)

Source Criticism

THE SOURCE Q

Q Material A list of the possible contents of Q.

DISPENSING WITH Q

Austin Farrer This is a well written summary of a brilliant scholar who wrote an influential article in the 1950s about getting rid of the Q source. Well worth reading.

Objections to Q Various theories have been put forward to get rid of Q. Dr Mark Goodacre considers these. Advanced stuff! Really only for those who have understood the theory in the first place.

THE SOURCE M

M Material The author of Matthew's Gospel clearly included information in his gospel that was not know to the other evangelists. More than that though, what can one say?

THE SOURCE L

L Material Luke's Gospel contains information that is only found in his gospel. There is a good deal of this material and the answer to the problem of the origin of these stories might not be found in source criticism alone.