A Historical and Theological Investigation of John's Gospel

This book provides original and controversial contributions into specific areas of Johannine studies, along with defenses of various traditional theological interpretations of John that are commonly overlooked in New Testament scholarship. Kirk R. MacGregor offers new insights into the authorship of the Fourth Gospel, the content of the underlying Signs Source, the meaning of the phrases believe in him and believe in his name, Jesus' claim that Abraham saw his day, the significance of John 14.6, and why the resurrected Jesus upbraided Thomas. MacGregor employs the doctrine of middle knowledge to reconcile the seemingly paradoxical Johannine claims of divine predestination, genuine human freedom, and the universal divine salvific will. He defends the ontological equality but functional subordination of the Johannine Jesus to God the Father as well as the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit as presented by the Gospel of John.

Explores the perennial historical and theological questions raised by John's Gospel. Takes a unique, interdisciplinary approach. Offers new contributions to the field Johannine studies.

Autorentext

Kirk R. MacGregor is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion as well as Department Chair at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. He is the author of numerous books including Contemporary Theology: An Introduction (2019) and Luis de Molina: The Life and Theology of the Founder of Middle Knowledge (2015).

Inhalt

1. Who Is the Author of the Gospel of John, and When Was It Written?.- 2. What is the Gospel's Relationship to Previous Literary Sources?.- 3. What Is the Nature of Jesus' Oneness with the Father?.- 4. What Does It Mean to Believe in Him?.- 5. Does Believing in His Name Constitute Saving Faith?.- 6. How Do We Reconcile Divine Election and Human Freedom in John?.- 7. According to John 8, Did Abraham in His Lifetime See Jesus?.- 8. What Did Jesus Mean in John 14.6?.- 9. What Is the Nature of the Holy Spirit?.- 10. Why Did the Resurrected Jesus Upbraid Thomas?.- 11. Conclusion.