The advantages & disadvantages of having 3 similar gospels rather than just one

Question 1

Advantages of 3 gospels:

Answer 1

• Slightly conflicting writings means that the gospel writers did not work together, and puts greater reliability that the event did happen as they all present to be so.
• ‘Multiple attestation’ - increases accuracy & reliability (when you have three accounts of the same thing) .
• Having three enables a more complete picture of Christ to be achieved. This is because each gospel writer reacted their account in their own manner to focus upon different aspects of Jesus. Luke focuses upon Jesus’ innocence, and Matthew on discipleship, Mark = the messianic secret. Thus, one can gain a deeper & better understanding of Jesus life and teaching.
• 3 accounts allows them to be studied in a manner that allows critics to observe the change made to their source. In this way (redaction critics), it is possible to understand their different theological emphasis and they gain an insight into the communities in which they are writing.
• 3 accounts = means that different interpretations can be made, which can appeal to wider audiences and give gospel accounts greater authority.

Question 2

Advantages of 1 gospel:

Answer 2

• 1 may provide more accurate account. Throughout the synoptic gospels there is often variation in the manner of telling things, and in the sequence of events. Thus through their contradiction, they serve to undermine the authority of each other.
• 1 = only be a single interpretation of Jesus rather than multiple ones. This is particularly important in the early spreading of Christianity, as the Early Church faced problems due to the multiple accounts and people questioning their reliability and truthfulness. e..g. In the trials of Jesus, Luke = at night, Matthew = at day. Having a single account would prevent any conflicting stories becoming apparent and it would mean that only a single view of Jesus’ teachings would be apparent.