Four Gospels

Prior to enrolling in the Four Gospels course, I had the opportunity to re read the New Testament, something I had not done in many years. This task afforded me the opportunity to gain an added appreciation of an excellent piece of literature. Regardless of viewing the New Testament as a literary work or a deeply religious document, one cannot help but appreciate the unique series of writings that it is. Whether or not I was particularly moved or bothered by any of the gospels, I cannot say but what I can say with certainty is that I have come to appreciate not only the Synoptic Gospels but especially the Gospel of John.

The uniqueness of John’s gospel can be characterized by stating that with John, the personage of the teacher known as Jesus took on a truly universal character. With the resounding poetic introduction of …” In the beginning was the Word ….” to the sad lament of “ He came onto his own and his own received him not…”. one cannot but be impressed that the message of this author is beyond the ordinary. With the representation of Jesus as the Divine Logos, John or the writers that collectively became known as John (authorship will continue to be a point of controversy among scholars for all time), were anxious to prove that the itinerant teacher from Galilee was indeed “The Chosen One”. John’s main purpose in relating this account is to prove that you can now believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God……..” and not only that, but by “believing you may life in his name.” These statements carry the strength of the universe and place this teacher among the “greats” of religious history.

There is sufficient historical documentation (although such documentation is always under academic scrutiny) that proves that the authors of John were attempting to create a spiritual gospel as opposed to the writings that were already in existence that aptly described the “activities” of this person and his life story. John’s purpose was about inspiring his audience and placing this Jesus as the Divine Messiah as well as presenting this person as another human being who grew weary, required nourishment, and grieved as any man. I again resort to the ample historical documentation that shows that the author/compiler of John was writing to a largely non Jewish audience and also one that was very familiar with Greek culture and thinking. An example of such documentation was Irenaus, Bishop of Lyons around 170 AD who apparently related significant events through his friendship with Polycarp (who was a friend of John about the authenticity of the purpose of the theme in John’s initial gospel.)

What inspires a person to become motivated toward and renewed in their appreciation of something? After having completed this course, that very thing happened to this writer, namely a renewed appreciation of the writings attributed to the authors of John. This course was the foundation for a continued study of the gospel of John to gain a better appreciation of him (them)and to delve into the mysteries that have become the basis for many of our present beliefs in the western world. In returning to my earlier statement about being bothered or moved by the course, I should say that I was definitely moved (inspired) by the study of John’s gospel more so than the others.

Rev. Ernest Kayorie

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.