The Gospels and Homer

This first volume in MacDonald’s magnum opus brings together and advances decades of MacDonald’s scholarly arguments.... At this point in his career (MacDonald recently retired), MacDonald is well aware of his critics’ objections. His most significant response to those objections is the addition of a seventh criterion for detection the Biblical writers’ imitation of the classics: the recognition of such memesis by Greek readers of the Mark and Luke-Acts before 1000 BC. MacDonald’s work and the manifold criticisms of it are now so widely known that this meticulously crafted volume is unlikely to change many minds. The book does, however, mark a major milestone in Gospels scholarship. Scholars interested in memesis and the forms of criticism developed from it should make perusal of this volume a high priority. * Religious Studies Review *
In this magnum opus, MacDonald brings together and expands upon his earlier work on the imitation of Homer in early Christian literature, responding to critique with a refinement of his methodology and a mountain of new parallels for consideration.  MacDonald's primary thesis—that Homer's epics loomed incredibly large on the ancient literary scene, and that imitation of Homer was a basic element in Greco-Roman literary composition—is undeniable.  That early Christian authors participated in Homeric imitation is confirmed by MacDonald's analyses.  As always, reading New Testament texts with MacDonald and Homer is exciting and provocative. -- Janet Spittler, Texas Christian University