John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"

Whether the Pericope Adulterae (the story of the woman caught in adultery), absent from early manuscripts, is considered an authentic part of John's Gospel.

Overall consensus69/100

Community of Christ

Community of Christ

Latter-day Saint

Nuanced

Affirms theological truth; open to scholarly questions; mercy and redemption emphasized

The Community of Christ affirms the theological truth of John 7:53–8:11 while remaining open to scholarly discussion about its textual history. The passage's message of Christ's mercy toward the sinful woman and his call to repentance and transformation is affirmed as important witness to the gospel.

The Community's progressive approach allows for both canonical respect and textual awareness. The passage's emphasis on redemption, the possibility of change, and Christ's unwillingness to condemn fits well with Community theology. The passage teaches that even serious sinners are offered the opportunity to turn and be reconciled.

Scripture References

  • Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43

Sources

  • Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants
  • Community of Christ theology of redemption