Question about dating the gospels? (repost)?

Question

This question is for christians who claim the gospels were all written before the destruction of the temple.

I am not wanting to debate when they were written as I have done a substantial amount of reading on the subject and have formed my own opinions.

I have seen many chrstian sites that give arguments for a later dating but have never seen a secular site which claims an early dating. If they were written early should I not be able to find at least one secular site?

My question is can anyone provide me with a secular web site or article that claims an early writing?

Cheers
JMS

Cricket -there are many many secular bible scholars, most are christian but there are lots who are not.

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question. I can assure you, I AM searching for one.

The problem is that the majority of biblical scholars are religious, so one generally won't find too many secular biblical scholars to begin with.

But I'll look anyway. This might take awhile.

The fact is though, that most scholars do give an earlier date for the composition of the books of the New Testament, whether they're secular or not. I'll see if I can't find some articles. I'll be back.

Edit: I just finished reading this article (it's a PDF file, just to warn you) (yes, I know it says it's a PDF file in the link, but I still miss those sometimes); it cites several different books on the subject (which is the only reason I'm referring it to you):
http://www.scborromeo.org/papers/dating.PDF

Another interesting article on how the New Testament was dated:
http://www.british-israel.ca/Newtes2.htm

Here's another:
http://www.anointed.net/Libraryroom/Revival/RichardRiss/evidences/part1/12date.htm

For the record, I realize these probably aren't what you're looking for. The problem is, there's no such thing as a nonbiased source. Take each of the ones I posted with a grain of salt, and research them. Test them. See if they're true. Whether they're "biased" or not doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not they're the truth.

Whatever you find with the sites I posted, feel free to email me with what you think, either through here or at [e-mail]. I'd love to discuss this further, and I promise I won't try to convert you. I already got my free toaster for converting fifty people. Still waiting on my new car... ;-)

I can find more sites if you'd like.

Answer 2

Hi JMS, I've been watching this question, because it's an interesting one. I disqualify myself from giving an actual answer because I DON'T think the gospels WERE written before ~70A.D. (Although it's almost certain that fragments and oral scraps were around before then). But I'm wondering if the reason you can't find secular sources is because secular scholars tend to be more skeptical than religious ones? (Not meaning that in any negative way, it's just a difference of approach towards the data).

Peace to you.

Answer 3

Biblical scholars will tell you that there is no evidence that any of the gospels were written before the destruction of the temple. But there is evidence to the contrary.

Answer 4

I had a similar issue on a different topic. (i.e.. Not being able to find a secular site that supported a historical claim)

I suspect there's a good reason you can't find a secular site.

Answer 5

I don't know this help or not, but I try my best. I guess you have read it.


http://www.biblicalarcheology.net/

Answer 6

the new testament was completed within 40 years of the crucifiction of Jesus.. Consult a minister
raptureready.com

Answer 7

Another atheist searching for GOD. Praise the LORD.