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.

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.