The Gospel COMPARATIVE is an innovative new book that enables anyone to read all 4 gospels simultaneously as one story. This is done in a clear, easy-to-read design that presents all four of the canonical gospels at the same time. Additionally, it provides a side-by-side, line-by-line comparative that seamlessly integrates with the storytelling process.
Several things combine to make the design of this book quite unique. For example each 2- page spread is viewed and read as a whole. This is visually explained on the Introduction Page. And just like a movie script, the story is crafted into scenes. This way it provides the fullest possible content, while creating the complete picture for each and every scene. This alone, makes it more accessible to everybody.
Next is the stripped-down approach, which uses only the original text. From there the story is simply laid out in a way that follows the timeline progressively. This layout allows all four versions to live side-by-side; duplicating in each account where they will and standing alone where they will.
This years-long effort by editor Michael Degnan was inspired by his professional experience of helping corporations and people tell their stories. In Michael's eyes, the Gospels are nothing if not the weaving together of a great story. On this episode of Common Threads, Fred and Michael discuss the benefits of reading Scripture in this manner.