Final answer:
"Gospel plus" means adding human works to the Gospel message, suggesting that behaviors or rituals are necessary alongside faith for salvation. This concept has caused debate within Christianity about the role of faith and works.
Step-by-step explanation:
"Gospel plus" refers to the concept of adding human works to the core message of the Gospel. This means that in addition to faith in the Gospel, proponents of "Gospel plus" believe that certain behaviors, practices, or rituals must also be followed to be a true adherent of Christianity.
This idea contrasts with the view that faith alone is sufficient for salvation, a fundamental belief held by some Christian denominations. Historically, this concept has been a point of contention within Christianity, dating back to the early Christian community's debates about the nature of faith and works for salvation. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—form the basis for Christian beliefs, and the notion of "Gospel plus" implies there might be additional requirements or doctrines beyond what is recorded in these four books.
In broader religious discourse, the term can also reflect the phenomenon where cultural or traditional practices become intertwined with religious teachings, potentially leading to variations in how the Gospel is understood and practiced among different groups of believers.