It has long been understood that Marcion resolved certain ambiguities he found in Christianity through the bold polarities of his theology. But it remains underappreciated just how much the authority he placed in texts subverted all prior expectations of the Christian movement. Nothing necessitates that a religion, founded by individuals and spread through personal contacts, develop a written sacred literature or that such a literature assume an authority superior in theory to any living voice of the faith. In past ages where illiteracy predominated, a written codification of a religious community’s faith would have remained directly accessible to few, and treated by the rest more as a symbol and reference point for the tradition rather than something they regularly consulted. The earliest Christians lived in an oral society that only flirted with literacy, and transmitted the teachings of Jesus and the exemplary stories about him primarily by word of mouth. The written word entered their world only sporadically, and even then only as a script to be read aloud. There were always a small number of more literate followers of Jesus who sought to put his ideas into conversation with textual traditions, but they could hardly be representative of the spirit of the larger movement.

In this enlightening YouTube video, join us as we delve into the intriguing debate surrounding the origins of Marcion's Gospel with esteemed scholars Markus Vincent, Mark Bilby, and Jack Bull. As we navigate through the complex labyrinth of early Christian texts, we explore the compelling theory that Marcion's Gospel may have preceded the canonical Gospels. Our expert panel, comprising of Vincent, Bilby, and Bull, brings a wealth of knowledge and differing perspectives to the table, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional beliefs and sheds new light on the formation of the New Testament. With a blend of rigorous academic analysis and accessible insights, this video is not just an exploration of ancient texts; it's a journey into the heart of early Christian history. We invite viewers to critically examine the evidence, participate in the vibrant debate, and reconsider what they thought they knew about the origins of the Gospels.