Why Name Popularity is a Good Test of Historicity
A Goodness-of-Fit Test Analysis on Names in the Gospels and Acts
In: Journal for the Study of the Historical JesusSearch for other papers by Luuk van de Weghe in
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Search for other papers by Jason Wilson in
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Abstract
Are name statistics in the Gospels and Acts a good test of historicity? Kamil Gregor and Brian Blais, in a recent article of the jshj, argue that the sample of name occurrences in the Gospels and Acts is too small to be determinative and that several statistical anomalies weigh against a positive verdict. Unfortunately, their conclusions result directly from improper testing and questionable data selection. Chi-squared goodness-of-fit testing establishes that name occurrences in the Gospels and Acts fit into their historical context at least as well as those in the works of Josephus. Additionally, they fit better than occurrences derived from ancient fictional sources and occurrences from modern, well-researched historical novels.
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Why Name Popularity is a Good Test of Historicity
A Goodness-of-Fit Test Analysis on Names in the Gospels and Acts
In: Journal for the Study of the Historical JesusSearch for other papers by Luuk van de Weghe in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Jason Wilson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Are name statistics in the Gospels and Acts a good test of historicity? Kamil Gregor and Brian Blais, in a recent article of the jshj, argue that the sample of name occurrences in the Gospels and Acts is too small to be determinative and that several statistical anomalies weigh against a positive verdict. Unfortunately, their conclusions result directly from improper testing and questionable data selection. Chi-squared goodness-of-fit testing establishes that name occurrences in the Gospels and Acts fit into their historical context at least as well as those in the works of Josephus. Additionally, they fit better than occurrences derived from ancient fictional sources and occurrences from modern, well-researched historical novels.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 166 | 166 | 46 |
| Full Text Views | 15 | 15 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 121 | 121 | 39 |