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.

Synoptic Gospels

Matthew

Mark

Luke

Life and teachings of Jesus

Parallel passages

Shared content

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

Distinct perspective

Theological themes are central ideas and motifs that recur throughout religious texts and traditions, shaping the understanding of the divine, human existence, and the moral order. These themes often address fundamental questions about the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the relationship between the sacred and the profane.

Theological Themes

Narrative structure refers to the organized framework or sequence of events that make up a story, guiding the reader through the plot and character development. It encompasses elements like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which together create a cohesive and engaging storytelling experience.

Concepts

Relevant Degrees

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