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{en} James F. McGrath, John of History, Baptist of faith: The quest for the historical baptizer (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024).

Abstract

"A scholarly investigation of John the Baptist based in historical-critical study of both the New Testament and the Mandaean Book of John"-- "A groundbreaking historical-critical study of John the Baptist. In the popular imagination, John the Baptist plays the supporting role of Jesus's unkempt forerunner. But meticulous historical study reveals his wide-reaching and enduring influence on the history of religion. The first study of its kind, 'John of history, Baptist of faith' sheds light on the historical John the Baptist and his world. James F. McGrath applies historical-critical methodology not only to the New Testament but also to the Mandaean Book of John, a holy text of the last extant gnostic sect. McGrath uses the teachings of John's pupil, Jesus, as a window into his mentor's beliefs. Along the way, he brings new clarity to questions of contention among scholars, such as John's use of immersion as a substitute for temple sacrifice. Bold in its claims yet careful in its methodology, 'John of history, Baptist of faith' lends fresh insight into John, Jesus, and their world. McGrath's pioneering monograph will challenge and intrigue students and scholars of the New Testament and Second Temple Judaism."--

Contents

Introduction -- John the Baptist in Q -- The usefulness of Mandaean sources -- Jesus as John's disciple and witness about him -- An ancient infancy narrative about John the Baptist -- The origin and meaning of John's immersion -- Jesus's baptism according to the Mandaeans -- The son of man who is to come -- John the Baptist and the origins of Gnosticism -- Prayers of John the Baptist -- Epilogue.

External links

• [ Google Books]