The Fruits of Monotheism
HILR Fall 2018
SGL: B Ruml
6. The Gospel of Mark; Secret Mark
Where are we? So far:
1. Cosmic monism's inability to handle the problem of evil has resulted in the new idea of a second antagonistic force: Satan.
Where are we? So far:
2. The introduction of personal piety has focussed attention on the inaccuracy of the prophets' claim that the righteous are rewarded and the wicked punished in this life.
As a result: the new idea of the delivery of divine justice after death.
Where are we? So far:
These two new ideas, added to the certainty that YHWH was the superior cosmic force, led naturally to the idea of a final battle in which YHWH vanquishes the forces of evil forever and provides the final judgment of just deserts.
Where can one go with these ideas?
1) Jewish apocalypticism: Daniel, Qumran, Enoch (Watchers)
2) Gnosticism: Christian and non-Christian varieties
What's the fundamental difference?
Ehrman's Apocalypticism:
Cosmic dualism;
Historical pessimism (helplessness);
Ultimate vindication (requires resurrection);
Imminence of the end times;
The New Testament:
13 letters of Paul; 7 by Paul: ~50-62CE
Mark: ~70CE
Matthew: ~80CE
Luke / Acts: ~80CE
John: ~95CE
Revelation: ~110CE
The Synoptic Gospels: Mark, Matthew, Luke
Mark written first around 70CE;
Matthew and Luke relying on Mark and "Q";
"Q": what Matthew and Luke have in common but not in Mark;
"M" and "L": what Matthew or Luke have uniquely;
Criteria of Authenticity
Earlier is better;
Contextual credibility;
Dissimilarity;
Independent Attestation;
Was Jesus an Apocalypticist?
The earliest sources so describe him;
The later sources retreat (Luke, John);
The latest sources (Thomas) deny a future Kingdom;
Final Judgment in Matthew 25
Salvation depends on good deeds;
Not on belief in Jesus (as Paul);
[so, dissimilar]
Argument from John => Jesus => Paul
What was John's message?
What was Paul's message?
What would connect them?
Jesus's apocalyptic teachings
Mark 1:15: the Kingdom of God is almost here: repent!
KofG to be here on earth (Son of Man comes down);
Descriptions of the coming judgment: the furnace of fire;
The "Son of Man": many meanings:
Jesus's ministry;
his future suffering;
cosmic judge from heaven;
Son of Man
Jesus refers to a cosmic judge who is not himself;
Source is Daniel 7;
references also in 1 Enoch;
and 4 Ezra (flamethrower mouth!)
Reversals of fortune: the logic
Evil forces are now in control;
Prosperous therefore on the side of evil;
When evil is defeated, the prosperous will be poor;
Reversals
Last will be first;
First will be last;
Widely attested;
Salvation for sinners
sinner = no attempt to follow Torah;
Will enter the KofG before righteous!!
The Beatitudes: more reversals
Matthew: the poor in spirit;
Luke: the poor;
Coming Destruction of the Temple
Deuteronomy permits sacrifice only there;
World-wide temple tax;
Hierarchy of spaces;
Prediction of Destruction from Jesus?
"not one stone left on another";
Must have been written before 70CE!
Jeremiah 7: how different?
End Times as Immanent
Within this generation;
Sudden and unexpected;
Jesus v. Prophets
Enrman: "Jesus' apocalyptic context;
What are differences?
Jesus' ethics for the long term?
There will be no long term!
Ethics are for preparation for KofG
The Gospel of Mark
Mediocre Greek;
What happens prior to Passion?
Is it clearly apocalyptic?
Are demons real? (you can hear what they say!)
The Gospel of Mark
No nativity scene;
Adoptionist Christology;
What history prior to canonical Mark?
Secret Mark: Ehrman's Stance
"jury is out";
Example of scholarly forgery: apt?
What questions remain?