The reliability of recollective memory
What factors tend to increase the reliability of recollective memory, and how do these relate to the historical reliability of the Gospels?
Richard Bauckham identifies the following:
- Unique or unusual events. The gospel stories clearly fit this category, as many of the events, such as healings and exorcisms, are unmistakably unusual.
- Salient or consequential events. Gospel stories often involve landmark or life changing events that would create vivid memories in people who witnessed them.
- An event for which a person is emotionally involved.