The Life of Christ in Stereo: The Four Gospels Combined As One

by Johnston M. Cheney

The Four Gospels Speak in Harmony

Genres: Reference, Christian, Theology

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Alan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ingenious harmonization of the four gospels that was originally collated by Johnston Cheney in, I think, the mid-to-late 1970s. I picked up my first copy in paperback up in New York in around 1980 or '81 and have brought it with me and kept it close by ever since, revisiting it often. The overall effect of the book is to be able to read a presentation of the four gospels as if one seamless story, in which all four renderings of the gospel story by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, all the quotations, all the historical information, etc. is one narrative - like reading a novel. Cheney did a brilliant job and it's my favorite way to read the gospels. Somehow, (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I believe), he managed to get everything in, not leaving anything out, with very minimal, if any, editing of the text. Yes, on occasion the content of phrase or sentence appears to repeat, as a redundancy, but because the same events are usually worded somewhat (even drastically) differently by the four different authors, or even left out by one or two authors, this minor effect actually serves to either enhance (fills in more detail) or emphasizes the importance of the event being rendered. Bottom line: highly recommended. The four gospels read as one seamless story and a lot of highlights and nuances jump out at you that may not have been noticed before, when you see the different renderings artfully tucked in side-by-side as one narrative. ***P.S. - I just noticed the provided blurb on this book says it was first published in 1984, which is actually incorrect. The EDITION in the picture with the green cover may have been published then, but Cheney first wrote and published it years earlier. The edition I have has a white cover with four different splashes of colors melding into one, like waterfalls. Inside the flap of MY edition it says it was first published in the 1970s (I do not have the book with me right now - it's at work and used as a devotional, so I can't tell you exactly which year). I bought my copy a few years before 1984 - 1980 or 1981, I think. I just reordered this book (used but in excellent condition) - it's now called "The Greatest Story." It's the same author (Cheney) but I think with a co-author or editor (Ellisen) listed on the byline. It is not super easy to find copies because I don't think it's being published anymore - not sure about that. But there ARE copies available out there - quite cheaply - through Amazon, even if used. Go get it! :)

[Katherine Huiskes · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating!!!! thanks to my grandma for finding and sending me this book. it juxtaposes all 4 gospels as one continuous story, including all details from all 4. it was really powerful to read straight through the gospels as a story.

Jesus repeats himself quite a bit. the disciples, frankly, do Not get it. and that is encouraging.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a combination of the four Gospels into one seamless narrative. While each Gospel has its own perspective (Matthew the Jewish, Mark the Roman, Luke the Greek, John the more intimate memories), this book takes each perspective, arranges them according to a timeline, and then presents them as one continuous story. With the Synoptic stories, where the same episodes are recounted, the approach uses every unique word of description and dialogue, so that each is rendered completely. Some of Jesus' discourses are recounted twice, within the context of larger teachings, or in context. The creators felt there were enough time elements and details in the Gospels to mean that Jesus had a four-year ministry rather than the three-year ministry that is commonly thought. They also believe that Jesus cleansed the Temple twice, at the beginning of his ministry and upon his entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. This approach gives the common reader an appreciation for how much the Gospels agree and how complete a picture they give.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harmony of the four gospels with footnotes and references as you read and features with a clarity of presentation in one continuous story. A nice resource addition and addition to one's personal library. Read in high school twice and in one continuous read each time throughout the night. A work I will never forget. "One of the purposes of this book is to display the fact that the four Gospels agree together in all their details and reveal the guiding hand of an unseen author... the Gospels hold together like the pieces of a stupendous jigsaw puzzle."

[Carol Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It created a lot of discussion in our women's Bible study group 30-40ish years ago. I [we all did] found it very helpful to have the explanatory footnotes, the quoting of which scripture/s the following paragraph came from. The explanations as to why a verse was placed where it was. The later editions, with new titles I was told didn't have those extras that made this edition so special.
I wish they would reprint it.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scripture. Sort of.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in college for a class...

[RG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and enlightening way to understand the Gospels