The Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels

Reverend John William Burgon (1813-1888) was a figure of considerable import in the scholarly ecclesiastical realms of the 19th century. His scholarly activities were deeply entwined with his clerical work, leading to a passionate defense of Biblical authority and orthodox Christianity against rising critical methodologies of the time. Best known for his emphatic support for the traditional text of the New Testament, Burgon's erudition was most notably encapsulated in his comprehensive work, 'The Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels'. In this seminal piece, Burgon meticulously critiques what he perceives as inaccuracies and fallacies within the modern textual criticism of his era, staunchly advocating for the Textus Receptus and Byzantine text-type over the Alexandrian text-type favored by contemporary scholars. His literary style, characterized by a combination of academic rigor and a preacher's zeal, often polarized his audience - garnering both commendation for his scholarly dedication and critique for his perceived intransigence. Through his substantial contribution to the field of New Testament textual criticism, John William Burgon remains a respected, if contentious, figure whose work continues to influence theological and biblical studies.