The Date of the Muratorian Fragment: An Inference to the Best Explanation - Softcover

Lingelbach, John F

Softcover

ISBN 10: 173627399X ISBN 13: 9781736273999

Publisher: Gcrr Press, 2020

Synopsis

Three hundred years after its discovery, scholars find themselves unable to determine the more likely of the two hypotheses regarding the date of the Muratorian Fragment, which consists of a catalog of New Testament texts. Is the Fragment a late second- to early third-century composition or a fourth-century composition? This present work seeks to break the impasse. The study found that, by making an inference to the best explanation, a second-century date for the Fragment is preferred. This methodology consists of weighing the two hypotheses against five criteria: plausibility, explanatory scope, explanatory power, credibility, and simplicity. What makes this current work unique in its contribution to church history and historical theology is that it marks the first time the rigorous application of an objective methodology, known as "inference to the best explanation" (or IBE), has been formally applied to the problem of the Fragment's date.

About this title

About the Author

John F. Lingelbach holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics (Church History) from Liberty University. He is an adjunct professor of New Testament studies at Grace Christian University, and a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel. He lives in Florida with his wife, Kimberly.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gcrr Press
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 173627399X
• ISBN 13: 9781736273999
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 174