Instead of seeing the synoptic gospels as a “problem,” the common word approach uses the differences in the parallel texts to extract what makes them the same, similar to the idea of the Triple Tradition.
The four gospels are differing accounts of the same events decades after the events occurred. The multiple viewpoints offer different perspectives. We have a wonderful opportunity to explore four seperate viewpoints on the same events. Although each viewpoint has its perspective, most bible commentators appear to focus on the differences between the texts, whereas the common word approach focuses on the similarities. The four gospel authors agreed on important parts of the message. We can assume that areas of agreement are central to the message God is sending us through Jesus.
All texts are taken equally, without consideration of any historical precedence. Many biblical scholars consider that the texts are interdependent, with Mark most likely being the first. However, the common word approach does not rely on any hypothesis of sources. The analysis of the sources may explain how words became common to the gospel texts, but is not important to understanding the message that the texts contain.
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