It's essential to recognize that not all atheists hold the same views or make the same claims about the writers of the four Gospels. Atheism is a lack of belief in deities or gods, but it doesn't imply a specific stance on the authenticity or accuracy of religious texts.
However, some atheists, along with scholars of various religious backgrounds, do question the historical accuracy and authorship of the Gospels. Here are a few reasons why this questioning occurs:
Lack of contemporary evidence: The Gospels were written several decades after the events they describe, and there are no surviving original manuscripts. Some critics argue that this time gap raises concerns about the accuracy of the details, as oral traditions and potential biases could have influenced the stories.
Contradictions and discrepancies: The four Gospels present different perspectives and details on some events, leading to discrepancies that scholars have analyzed and questioned. Some critics argue that these variations raise doubts about the historical accuracy of the accounts.
Anonymity of the authors: While the Gospels are traditionally attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the actual authors' identities are not definitively established within the texts. Some scholars argue that the Gospels were likely written by multiple anonymous authors, which could impact their credibility.
Theological and faith-based perspectives: Some atheists might reject the Gospels' truth claims due to their disbelief in the supernatural or religious aspects presented in the texts. This rejection is rooted in a broader skepticism about religious beliefs and divine revelation.
Historical-critical analysis: Scholars from various backgrounds use historical-critical methods to analyze ancient texts, including the Gospels. This approach involves examining the texts for inconsistencies, literary sources, and historical context, leading to differing interpretations of their reliability.
It's important to note that not all atheists or scholars dismiss the Gospels as entirely false or without historical value. Some view them as valuable documents for understanding the cultural and religious context of the time, even if they don't accept them as wholly accurate historical accounts.
Ultimately, beliefs about the Gospels' authenticity and truthfulness can vary widely among individuals, regardless of their religious or philosophical positions. The study of ancient texts and their historical contexts is a complex field, and interpretations can differ based on the methods and biases of the scholars involved.