The Ultimate Synoptic Showdown:
Did Q Exist?
Join two of the world's leading New Testament scholars for a historic, live weekend event exploring the foundations of the Gospels.
Secure Your Spot Now
Understanding the Synoptic Problem
The "Synoptic Problem" arises from the fact that the first three gospels share a large number of stories and sayings—sometimes with close agreement in wording and sequence—yet there are very significant differences in both the wording and the order of those stories and sayings.
For over a century, scholars have assumed that Matthew and Luke relied on a lost collection of Jesus' sayings known as "Q." But what if it never existed?
If Q is real, it offers our earliest glimpse into the history of Jesus. If it's a myth, our entire understanding of how the Gospels were written must be rewritten.
Key Questions We'll Explore:
- How do we best account for the combination of strong similarities and marked differences?
- Can oral tradition account for the constellation of strong similarities?
- Is it possible to identify the earliest gospel—and by what criteria?
- How did the later gospels use the first gospel?
- Is it necessary to posit sources that are no longer extant (like Q)?
- Is there "unruly data" that defies or complicates any hypothesis?
The Four Lectures
A systematic exploration from two opposing scholarly perspectives.
Is the Relationship Literary or Oral?
Exploring whether the gospels' relationship is based on literary dependence or knowledge of oral traditions.
Mark as the Earliest Gospel
Examining the evidence that Mark was written first and served as a source for Matthew and Luke.
Non-Markan Material and the Positing of Q
How do we account for material shared by Matthew and Luke but absent from Mark? The case for Q.
Mark and Matthew as the Sources of Luke
The Farrer Hypothesis: Luke used both Mark and Matthew directly—dispensing with Q entirely.
Two Days That Will Change How You Read the Gospels
A comprehensive exploration of the Synoptic Problem featuring lectures, evidence, and a face-to-face scholarly discussion.
Lectures & Discussion
- Two lectures presenting the case for Q's existence
- Two lectures presenting the case against Q
- Live Q&A and scholarly discussion
Live Scholarly Discussion
- Direct discussion between Dr. Goodacre and Dr. Kloppenborg
- Point-by-point responses and scholarly exchange
- Audience questions and final statements
Meet the Scholars
Two world-renowned experts. Two opposing views. One defining question.
Dr. Mark Goodacre
Professor at Duke University
Famous for his "Case Against Q," Dr. Goodacre champions the Farrer Hypothesis—the idea that Luke used Matthew directly, making Q a modern fiction.
Author of "The Case Against Q"
Dr. John Kloppenborg
Professor at University of Toronto
The world's leading authority on the reconstruction of Q. Dr. Kloppenborg is the editor of the Critical Edition of Q and has dedicated his career to proving its existence.
Editor of "The Critical Edition of Q"
What's Included
Everything you need to master the Synoptic Problem and join the discussion.
Lifetime Access
Full recordings of all lectures and the live discussion, available forever in your course library.
Bonus Lesson
"The Mysteries of the Synoptic Gospels: Was Mark the First Gospel?"—a deep-dive bonus lecture.
Audio Downloads
Listen on the go with downloadable MP3 files of all sessions.
Did Q Exist? — All-Access Pass
Lock in your spot before February 7th
- Lifetime access to all lecture recordings
- Live discussion recording included
- Bonus lesson: Was Mark the First Gospel?
- Downloadable audio for all sessions
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Not satisfied? Get a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.
Don't Miss This Historic Scholarly Discussion
Whether you're a scholar, student, or curious learner—this is your chance to witness two leading experts settle one of the most important questions in biblical studies.
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