Johannine Literature refers to the collection of New Testament writings traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, including the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. These texts are characterized by their unique theological perspective, emphasizing themes such as the divinity of Christ, love, and eternal life, and are distinct in style and content from the Synoptic Gospels.

Johannine Literature

New Testament writings

John the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. He is often identified with the 'Beloved Disciple' and is considered a pivotal figure in early Christianity and the development of Christian theology.

John The Apostle

The Gospel of John is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, distinct for its high Christology and emphasis on the divinity of Jesus. It presents a unique theological perspective, focusing on themes of light, life, and love, and includes the famous 'I Am' statements attributed to Jesus.

Gospel Of John

Three Epistles of John

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, is a prophetic text that uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey messages about the end times, the final judgment, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Written by John of Patmos, it is a complex work that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, influencing Christian eschatology, art, and literature.

Book Of Revelation

Theological perspective

The Divinity of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, embodying the second person of the Holy Trinity. This belief underscores the incarnation, where God became man to offer salvation to humanity, and is supported by scriptural references and early church creeds.

Divinity Of Christ

Love is a complex emotion that encompasses deep affection, attachment, and a profound sense of care towards someone or something. It plays a crucial role in human relationships, influencing behaviors, decisions, and well-being, and is often considered a fundamental aspect of human existence.

Love

Eternal life is a concept that often refers to the continuation of existence beyond physical death, either through a spiritual or religious understanding of the afterlife or through scientific exploration of achieving physical immortality. While many religions promise eternal life as a reward for pious living, science fiction and transhumanist movements envision it through technological advancements such as mind uploading or biological immortality.

Eternal Life

Style and content

The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are called 'synoptic' because they present similar narratives of the life and teachings of Jesus, often with parallel passages and shared content. They are distinguished from the Gospel of John, which offers a distinct perspective with unique theological themes and narrative structure.

Concepts

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