FABRICATIONS · INTERPOLATIONS
The Added Adulteress Woman Story (Pericope Adultera)
And every man went unto his own house. Jesus went unto the mount of Olives... He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
This whole section (-8:11) is a later addition, missing from the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of John. This challenges the idea that the Gospels present a fixed, unaltered narrative and raises questions about the authenticity of what is considered original apostolic testimony.
THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
This story reflects Jesus' mercy and aligns with his teachings. Even if it was added later, it conveys important moral truths and has been accepted by the Church for centuries. Early Christians may have treasured this narrative orally and later included it. Its addition does not contradict established doctrine but enriches understanding of Jesus’ compassion.
THE ISLAMIC POSITION
Adding stories, regardless of their moral value, compromises the textual integrity of the Gospel. If passages can be inserted or removed, it casts doubt on which parts of the Scripture are genuinely authoritative and authentic. This story shows Jesus abandoning the Law of Moses, which contradicts "I have not come to abolish the Law."
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The Added Adulteress Woman Story (Pericope Adultera)