Paper Summary:

This paper focuses on the prologue of the Biblical book of John, and its implications for modern Christianity. The paper explains that much of Christians' understanding of the life of Jesus and the implications of his suffering is derived from the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; the first three of these are known as the synoptic gospels, so-called for providing the canonical basis for the synopsis of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, including the miracles which he commanded and the revolutionary actions which he performed. By contrast, the paper asserts, the Gospel of John, which would become the basis of an early form of Christianity denoted as Johannine, differs from the other gospels in its language, approach and focus, with its prologue invoking a discourse on the mystical and divine implications of the time which Jesus had spent on Earth. The author opines that this permeates the prologue and is explored throughout the Gospel of John to the effect of providing spiritual foundation for the future of Christianity. The paper concludes that the spreading Christianity of the early common era was conscious of the early doctrines that preceded it, and especially of the implications and revelations driving the opening segment of the Gospel of John.

From the Paper:

"The idea that John is here calling other Christians to accept without speculation or doubt the mystical aspects of Christ on Earth is parlayed into the importance in actual Christian practice of becoming witness to His miracles and sharing this vision with others. Thus, the divergence of principle for those of Johannine description would be evident in that which separated John's gospel from the other three. The various sects which would arise in the Johannine tradition can be characterized then by their emphases on personal faith and the proselytizing of others in the ways of faith. By considering some of the writings of John we can see that the Johannine faith differs from the forms emergent from the synoptic gospels and from Gnostic forms of Christianity but incorporates both into its canon."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dodd, C.H. & Marsh, J. (2004). Gnosticism & the Proclamation of Christianity with special reference to John's Gospel. The Official Graham Hancock Website. Online at http://www.grahamhancock.com/forum/HancockD1-p4.htm
• Koishikawa, M. (2000). The Prologue of John. The Paradigm of Christ. Online at http://www.actus.org/john.html
• Smith, M.H. (2005). Parallel Texts in Matthew, Mark & Luke. Synoptic Gospels Primer. Online at http://virtualreligion.net/primer/

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