Testimonies: Volume 2

This controversial work of 1916–20 sought to prove the existence of the earliest collection of Christian writings.

Controversial but immensely influential, this work by J. Rendel Harris (1852–1941) argues for the existence of a compilation, which Harris called the 'Testimony Book', consisting of prophecies of Christ collected from the Old Testament. Volume 2 (1920) seeks to prove that the New Testament relied upon this source.In this two-volume work, J. Rendel Harris (1852–1941) fundamentally shaped Biblical scholarship in the twentieth century, arguing for the existence of a 'first known treatise on Christian theology', antedating the New Testament. A palaeographer, Harris examined recurring textual corruptions of Old Testament passages in early Christian writers and surmised an underlying collection, which he called the 'Testimony Book'. The book, Harris believed, collected Biblical testimonia - passages prophesying Christ - in order to prove the legitimacy of the new Christian faith. These arguments against Judaic theology marked, in Harris's opinion, the beginnings of the Christian written tradition. Volume 2 (1920) seeks to demonstrate how the New Testament relied upon the 'Testimony Book', by examining Galatians, Hebrews and other letters and gospels. 'The starting point of the modern study of the use of the Old Testament in the New', this is a work of enduring importance to religion scholars.