THE JESUS SEMINAR AND RADICAL HIGHER CRITICISM

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THE JESUS SEMINAR AND THE JESUS SEMINAR AND HIGHER CRITICISM HIGHER CRITICISM By By Glenn Giles Glenn Giles December, 2009 December, 2009 RADICAL RADICAL

Transcript of THE JESUS SEMINAR AND RADICAL HIGHER CRITICISM

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THE JESUS SEMINAR ANDTHE JESUS SEMINAR AND

HIGHER CRITICISMHIGHER CRITICISMBy By

Glenn GilesGlenn GilesDecember, 2009December, 2009

RADICALRADICAL

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BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What is BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What is it?it?

LOWER CRITICISM = TEXTUAL CRIT.LOWER CRITICISM = TEXTUAL CRIT. HIGHER CRITICISM = LITERARY ANALYSIS HIGHER CRITICISM = LITERARY ANALYSIS

DEALING WITH AUTHORSHIP, DATE, AND DEALING WITH AUTHORSHIP, DATE, AND LITERARY COMPOSITIONLITERARY COMPOSITION

TYPES OF HIGHER CRITICISM:TYPES OF HIGHER CRITICISM:1. SOURCE 1. SOURCE 2. FORM2. FORM3. REDACTION3. REDACTION4. NARRATIVE4. NARRATIVE5. RHETORICAL5. RHETORICAL6. SOCIO-HISTORICAL6. SOCIO-HISTORICAL

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JESUS SEMINARJESUS SEMINAR Is an example of Is an example of RADICALRADICAL higher higher

criticism, criticism that is highly criticism, criticism that is highly skeptical of the historical accuracy skeptical of the historical accuracy and authenticity of the Bible. Not all and authenticity of the Bible. Not all higher criticism is “radical”higher criticism is “radical”

Most scholars who engage in higher Most scholars who engage in higher criticism today do not go to the criticism today do not go to the extremes of the Jesus Seminar in its extremes of the Jesus Seminar in its findings and presuppositionsfindings and presuppositions

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THE JESUS SEMINARTHE JESUS SEMINAR SET UP UNDER THE “AUSPICES” OF ROBERT SET UP UNDER THE “AUSPICES” OF ROBERT

FUNK’S WESTAR INSTITUTE IN SONOMA, CA FUNK’S WESTAR INSTITUTE IN SONOMA, CA IN 1985IN 1985

SCHOLARS (FELLOWS) NUMBER AROUND 200 SCHOLARS (FELLOWS) NUMBER AROUND 200 WITH ONLY ABOUT 40 ACTUALLY WRITING, WITH ONLY ABOUT 40 ACTUALLY WRITING, MEETING REGULARLY, AND VOTINGMEETING REGULARLY, AND VOTING

THE SEMINAR WAS CO-CHAIRED BY ROBERT THE SEMINAR WAS CO-CHAIRED BY ROBERT FUNK (FORMER PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS FUNK (FORMER PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, NOW DECEASED) AND JOHN DOMINIC NOW DECEASED) AND JOHN DOMINIC CROSSAN OF DEPAUL UNIVERSITYCROSSAN OF DEPAUL UNIVERSITY

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PROJECTSPROJECTS OF THE WESTAR INSTITUTE OF THE WESTAR INSTITUTE

The Jesus Seminar (finding the authentic The Jesus Seminar (finding the authentic words and deeds of Jesus)words and deeds of Jesus)

The Paul Seminar (study of the authenticity The Paul Seminar (study of the authenticity and integrity of the Pauline letters)and integrity of the Pauline letters)

The Canon Seminar (debating which early The Canon Seminar (debating which early Christian works canonical and non-canonical Christian works canonical and non-canonical should be in the New Testament)should be in the New Testament)

Acts Seminar (finding the historical Acts Seminar (finding the historical authenticity of the Acts of the Apostles)authenticity of the Acts of the Apostles)

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THE JESUS SEMINAR THE JESUS SEMINAR REPRESENTATIONREPRESENTATION

Represents the radical left fringe of biblical criticism.Represents the radical left fringe of biblical criticism. Mostly doctoral graduates of schools who tend to Mostly doctoral graduates of schools who tend to

practice a more radical form of higher criticism. practice a more radical form of higher criticism. These schools include: Harvard, Claremont, These schools include: Harvard, Claremont,

Vanderbilt, Chicago, Union Theological Seminary Vanderbilt, Chicago, Union Theological Seminary Luke Johnson states that it does not, “represent Luke Johnson states that it does not, “represent

anything like a consensus view of scholars working in anything like a consensus view of scholars working in the New Testament, but only the views of a group the New Testament, but only the views of a group that has been—for all its protestations of diversity—that has been—for all its protestations of diversity—self-selected on the basis of prior agreement self-selected on the basis of prior agreement concerning the appropriate goals and methods for concerning the appropriate goals and methods for studying the Gospels and the figure of Jesus” studying the Gospels and the figure of Jesus” ((The Real Jesus, 2)The Real Jesus, 2)

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THE JESUS SEMINAR STATED THE JESUS SEMINAR STATED AGGENDA:AGGENDA:

““TO DISCOVER AND REPORT A SCHOLARLY TO DISCOVER AND REPORT A SCHOLARLY CONSENSUS ON THE HISTORICALCONSENSUS ON THE HISTORICAL AUTHENTICITY OF THE SAYINGS AND AUTHENTICITY OF THE SAYINGS AND EVENTS ATTRIBUTED TO JESUS IN THE EVENTS ATTRIBUTED TO JESUS IN THE GOSPEL” GOSPEL” (www.westarinstitute.org)(www.westarinstitute.org)

TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MEDIA TO HELP THE “MODERN INQUIRER MEDIA TO HELP THE “MODERN INQUIRER LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IMAGINED WORLD AND THE ‘REAL WORLD’ IMAGINED WORLD AND THE ‘REAL WORLD’ OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE” WITH RESPECT OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE” WITH RESPECT TO JESUS TO JESUS ((The Five GospelsThe Five Gospels (5G), 2) (5G), 2)

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JESUS SEMINAR AND THE “JESUS SEMINAR AND THE “REALREAL JESUS” ASSUMPTIONJESUS” ASSUMPTION

““To know the truth about Jesus, the real Jesus, To know the truth about Jesus, the real Jesus, one had to find the Jesus of history. The refuge one had to find the Jesus of history. The refuge offered by the cloistered precincts of faith offered by the cloistered precincts of faith gradually became a battered and beleaguered gradually became a battered and beleaguered position. In the wake of the Enlightenment, position. In the wake of the Enlightenment, biblical scholars rose to the challenge and biblical scholars rose to the challenge and launched a tumultuous search for the Jesus launched a tumultuous search for the Jesus behind the Christian façade of the Christ” 5G, 40behind the Christian façade of the Christ” 5G, 40

The real Jesus has been covered up by the The real Jesus has been covered up by the church. Now these scholars are going to free church. Now these scholars are going to free him from the faith captivity.him from the faith captivity.

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JESUS SEMINAR “FINDINGS”JESUS SEMINAR “FINDINGS”““Eighty-two percent of the words ascribed Eighty-two percent of the words ascribed

to Jesus in the gospels were to Jesus in the gospels were notnot actually actually spoken by him” 5G, 5.spoken by him” 5G, 5.

Results published in Results published in The Five Gospels: The The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of JesusSearch for the Authentic Words of Jesus

For an analysis of his authentic For an analysis of his authentic actsacts, see , see The Jesus Seminar’s The Jesus Seminar’s The Acts of Jesus: The The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus.Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus.

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JESUS SEMINAR PROCEDUREJESUS SEMINAR PROCEDUREScholars apply their methodology and Scholars apply their methodology and

then vote with colored beads on the then vote with colored beads on the authenticity of each word attributed to authenticity of each word attributed to Jesus by the gospel writersJesus by the gospel writers

The gospels evaluated includeThe gospels evaluated includeThe 4 Canonical Gospels andThe 4 Canonical Gospels andThe Gospel of ThomasThe Gospel of Thomas

Hence the title of the book: Hence the title of the book: The The FiveFive GospelsGospels

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COLORED BEAD VOTING COLORED BEAD VOTING PROCEDURE AND OPTION 1PROCEDURE AND OPTION 1

Red: Jesus undoubtedly said this or Red: Jesus undoubtedly said this or something very like itsomething very like it

Pink: Jesus probably said something like Pink: Jesus probably said something like this.this.

Gray: Jesus did not say this, but the Gray: Jesus did not say this, but the ideas contained in it are close to his ownideas contained in it are close to his own

Black: Jesus did not day this; it Black: Jesus did not day this; it represents the perspective or content of represents the perspective or content of a later or different traditiona later or different tradition

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VOTING OPTION 2VOTING OPTION 2 Red: I would include this item Red: I would include this item

unequivocally in the database for unequivocally in the database for determining who Jesus wasdetermining who Jesus was

Pink: I would include this item with Pink: I would include this item with reservations (or modifications) in the reservations (or modifications) in the databasedatabase

Gray: I would not include this item in the Gray: I would not include this item in the database, but I might make use of some of database, but I might make use of some of the content in determining who Jesus wasthe content in determining who Jesus was

Black: I would not include this item in the Black: I would not include this item in the primary database.primary database.

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VOTING OPTION 3VOTING OPTION 3Red: That’s Jesus!Red: That’s Jesus!Pink: Sure sounds like Pink: Sure sounds like

JesusJesusGray: Well, maybeGray: Well, maybeBlack: There’s been some Black: There’s been some

mistakemistake..

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CALCULATING THE VOTES:CALCULATING THE VOTES:“WEIGHTED AVERAGE”“WEIGHTED AVERAGE”

Red gets 3 pointsRed gets 3 pointsPink gets 2 pointsPink gets 2 pointsGray gets 1 pointGray gets 1 pointBlack gets 0 pointsBlack gets 0 pointsPoints were added up and then divided Points were added up and then divided

by the number of votes and by the number of votes and converted to a percentage vote converted to a percentage vote based on a one point scalebased on a one point scale

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THE BREAKDOWN OF THE ONE THE BREAKDOWN OF THE ONE POINT SCALEPOINT SCALE

Red: .7501 and upRed: .7501 and upPink: .5001-.7500 Pink: .5001-.7500 Gray: .2501-.5000Gray: .2501-.5000Black: .0000-.2500Black: .0000-.2500

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AN EXAMPLE: THE LORD’S AN EXAMPLE: THE LORD’S PRAYER: Luke 11:2-4PRAYER: Luke 11:2-4

““When you pray, you should say:When you pray, you should say:Father,Father, your name be revered. your name be revered.Impose your imperial rule.Impose your imperial rule.Provide us with the bread we need day by Provide us with the bread we need day by

daydayForgive our sins, since we too forgive Forgive our sins, since we too forgive

everyone in debt to useveryone in debt to usAnd please don’t subject us to test after test.And please don’t subject us to test after test.(5G, 325, cf. Mt. version, 148)(5G, 325, cf. Mt. version, 148)

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THE HISTORY OF THE QUESTS THE HISTORY OF THE QUESTS FOR THE HISTORICAL JESUSFOR THE HISTORICAL JESUS

The The FirstFirst Quest: 1778-1906 Quest: 1778-1906 Began with Hermann Samuel Reimarus: Began with Hermann Samuel Reimarus: Fragments Fragments

by an Anonymous Writerby an Anonymous Writer (1778). Pub. by Lessing. (1778). Pub. by Lessing. D. F. Strauss, D. F. Strauss, The Life of Jesus Critically ExaminedThe Life of Jesus Critically Examined

(1835). Introduced the concept of “myth” is (1835). Introduced the concept of “myth” is “anything legendary or supernatural” “anything legendary or supernatural” (5G, 3).(5G, 3).

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826): Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826): The Life and Morals The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth of Jesus of Nazareth (first published, 1904). He took (first published, 1904). He took scissors and paste to the Gospels, cutting out the scissors and paste to the Gospels, cutting out the supernatural elements.supernatural elements.

Separation of the Christ of Faith from the Historical Separation of the Christ of Faith from the Historical Jesus was thus was under way. Who is the real Jesus was thus was under way. Who is the real historical Jesus? What should be cut out of the historical Jesus? What should be cut out of the gospels to find him?gospels to find him?

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THE FIRST QUEST THE FIRST QUEST CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Many Jesuses are proposed as the true Many Jesuses are proposed as the true historical Jesus from Reimarus to Wrede historical Jesus from Reimarus to Wrede and Schweitzer.and Schweitzer.

William Wrede, William Wrede, The Messianic Secret in The Messianic Secret in MarkMark (1901). Thorough-going skeptic who (1901). Thorough-going skeptic who claimed we could know very little about claimed we could know very little about the Historical Jesus. Jesus was only a the Historical Jesus. Jesus was only a “Galilean teacher or prophet who did some “Galilean teacher or prophet who did some striking things and was eventually striking things and was eventually executed” executed” (N. T Wright, (N. T Wright, Jesus and the victory of GodJesus and the victory of God, 20), 20)

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FIRST QUEST CONCLUDEDFIRST QUEST CONCLUDED Albert Schweitzer’s Albert Schweitzer’s Quest for the Historical Quest for the Historical

Jesus: A Critical Study of its Progress from Jesus: A Critical Study of its Progress from Reimarus to WredeReimarus to Wrede German ed. 1906 marked German ed. 1906 marked the end of the first quest. He discusses the the end of the first quest. He discusses the various Jesuses found during the first quest.various Jesuses found during the first quest.

He saw a thoroughly eschatological Jesus in the He saw a thoroughly eschatological Jesus in the gospels depicting a Jesus who proclaimed the gospels depicting a Jesus who proclaimed the kingdom of God but died disappointedly when kingdom of God but died disappointedly when that eschatological kingdom did not come. that eschatological kingdom did not come. Hence Jesus, for him, was merely a Jewish Hence Jesus, for him, was merely a Jewish apocalyptic prophet.apocalyptic prophet.

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THE “NO QUEST” PERIODTHE “NO QUEST” PERIOD1906-19531906-1953Historical Jesus not considered importantHistorical Jesus not considered importantFocus is on the Christ of FaithFocus is on the Christ of FaithBarth and Bultmann and Neo-orthodoxy Barth and Bultmann and Neo-orthodoxy

are key figures. Faith is not based in are key figures. Faith is not based in history.history.

Bultmann felt very little could be known Bultmann felt very little could be known about the historical Jesus and that finding about the historical Jesus and that finding him was not importanthim was not important

History has nothing to do with faith.History has nothing to do with faith.

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THE NEW OR SECOND QUESTTHE NEW OR SECOND QUEST1953-19801953-1980

1953 Second Quest began when Bultmann’s 1953 Second Quest began when Bultmann’s student Ernst Kasemann proposed a “New student Ernst Kasemann proposed a “New Quest” for the historical Jesus. Quest” for the historical Jesus.

Felt that history did have something to do with Felt that history did have something to do with faith so sought again to find the historical Jesusfaith so sought again to find the historical Jesus

Added very little to what the first quest found Added very little to what the first quest found as it used similar principles and as it used similar principles and presuppositions.presuppositions.

It remained in the shackles of Form Criticism It remained in the shackles of Form Criticism which was designed “to discover the early which was designed “to discover the early church, not Jesus himself” church, not Jesus himself” (N. T. Wright, (N. T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of GodJesus and the Victory of God, , 24)24)

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THE THIRD QUESTTHE THIRD QUEST1980-PRESENT1980-PRESENT

Many Scholars advance plausible arguments for accepting Many Scholars advance plausible arguments for accepting the historical reliability of Mt., Mk, and Lkthe historical reliability of Mt., Mk, and Lk

Attempt to “do history seriously”, no home-made criteria, Attempt to “do history seriously”, no home-made criteria, Form Criticism is being bypassed. Using method of Form Criticism is being bypassed. Using method of “hypothesis and verification”. Narratives not small units of “hypothesis and verification”. Narratives not small units of material are investigated. Not as concerned about material are investigated. Not as concerned about “reconstruction of traditions” which dissects the gospels“reconstruction of traditions” which dissects the gospels

Places Jesus within first century Judaism, allows him to be Places Jesus within first century Judaism, allows him to be JewishJewish

Has a positive approach to the historicity of the gospelsHas a positive approach to the historicity of the gospels But still falls short of the position of orthodox theologians But still falls short of the position of orthodox theologians

and Evangelicals as it does not affirm Jesus as “wholly man and Evangelicals as it does not affirm Jesus as “wholly man and wholly God” on the basis of historical research. and wholly God” on the basis of historical research. (Craig (Craig Blomberg, Blomberg, Jesus Under Fire, 27-28)Jesus Under Fire, 27-28)

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THE JESUS SEMINAR THE JESUS SEMINAR 1985 TO PRESENT1985 TO PRESENT

Jesus Seminar seems to best fit into the Jesus Seminar seems to best fit into the Second Quest, I.e., it is a “Revived” New or Second Quest, I.e., it is a “Revived” New or Second Quest.Second Quest.

It is different from the Third Quest in that It is different from the Third Quest in that it has a very negative view of historicity of it has a very negative view of historicity of the gospel’s presentation of Jesusthe gospel’s presentation of Jesus

It drinks heavily from the post-It drinks heavily from the post-Bultmannian tradition taking on that Bultmannian tradition taking on that tradition’s critical and Form Critical tradition’s critical and Form Critical assumptionsassumptions

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THREE DOMINANT VIEWS OF THE THREE DOMINANT VIEWS OF THE HISTORICAL JESUS FOUND IN THE SECOND HISTORICAL JESUS FOUND IN THE SECOND

QUESTQUEST Jesus the Social Revolutionary, a countercultural Jesus the Social Revolutionary, a countercultural

social prophet who resocialized people, a social social prophet who resocialized people, a social critic, a culture-denying Jewish Cynic peasant. He critic, a culture-denying Jewish Cynic peasant. He sought ways to better society.sought ways to better society.

Jesus the Religious Genius, one who prayed, Jesus the Religious Genius, one who prayed, fasted, had visions, a holy man, sacred person, a fasted, had visions, a holy man, sacred person, a spirit person with an imminent eschatological spirit person with an imminent eschatological enthusiast with a belief in the coming of the enthusiast with a belief in the coming of the Kingdom of God. One who warned of judgment, Kingdom of God. One who warned of judgment, ethics, belief in God. But one who is not relevant ethics, belief in God. But one who is not relevant for us today.for us today.

Jesus the SageJesus the Sage This last one is the stance of the Jesus SeminarThis last one is the stance of the Jesus Seminar(These three views come from Scot McKnight in (These three views come from Scot McKnight in Jesus Under FireJesus Under Fire, 56-57), 56-57)

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JESUS SEMINAR WORLDVIEW JESUS SEMINAR WORLDVIEW ROOTSROOTS

Enlightenment, Age of Reason, Everything can Enlightenment, Age of Reason, Everything can be explained through be explained through naturalnatural scientific means. scientific means. All so-called miracles have a natural cause or All so-called miracles have a natural cause or were made up by people as they cannot were made up by people as they cannot happen naturallyhappen naturally

Deism: Dominant religion of the day. A religion Deism: Dominant religion of the day. A religion of the clockwork universeof the clockwork universe

God initially created the world as a First CauseGod initially created the world as a First Cause Then left it to run on its own under natural lawThen left it to run on its own under natural law No supernatural transcendent intervention is No supernatural transcendent intervention is

possible: I.e., no supernatural working in possible: I.e., no supernatural working in history. No incarnation possible.history. No incarnation possible.

Jesus Seminar operates from an naturalistic WVJesus Seminar operates from an naturalistic WV

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JESUS SEMINAR STATEMENTJESUS SEMINAR STATEMENT““The Christ of creed and dogma, who had The Christ of creed and dogma, who had

been firmly in place in the Middle Ages, been firmly in place in the Middle Ages, can no longer command the assent of can no longer command the assent of those who have seen the heavens through those who have seen the heavens through Galileo’s telescope. The old deities and Galileo’s telescope. The old deities and demons were swept from the skies by that demons were swept from the skies by that remarkable glass. Copernicus, Kepler, and remarkable glass. Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo have dismantled the mythological Galileo have dismantled the mythological abodes of the gods and Satan and abodes of the gods and Satan and bequeathed us bequeathed us secularsecular heavens” heavens” 5G, 2.5G, 2.

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JESUS SEMINAR WV JESUS SEMINAR WV CONTINUEDCONTINUED

To be historical, to be authentic, To be historical, to be authentic, everything must pass through this everything must pass through this presuppositional scientific naturalistic presuppositional scientific naturalistic sievesieve

No walking on waterNo walking on waterNo miraculous catch of fishNo miraculous catch of fishNo transfigurationNo transfigurationNo resurrectionNo resurrectionNo resurrection appearancesNo resurrection appearances

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JESUS SEMINAR WV CONT.JESUS SEMINAR WV CONT. No postmortem statements or predictions of No postmortem statements or predictions of

events are realevents are real Funk and Hoover and the Jesus Seminar state:Funk and Hoover and the Jesus Seminar state:

““Whenever scholars detect detailed knowledge Whenever scholars detect detailed knowledge of postmortem events in sayings and parables of postmortem events in sayings and parables attribute to Jesus, they are inclined to the view attribute to Jesus, they are inclined to the view that the formulation of such sayings took place that the formulation of such sayings took place after the fact”. after the fact”. 5G, 25.5G, 25.

E.g., Mk. 13:5-13 and Jesus’ detailed prediction of E.g., Mk. 13:5-13 and Jesus’ detailed prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem is colored black.the destruction of Jerusalem is colored black.(5G, (5G, 109-110)109-110)

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JESUS SEMINAR ASSUMPTIONS: JESUS SEMINAR ASSUMPTIONS: #1: A NATURALISTIC WORLD VIEW#1: A NATURALISTIC WORLD VIEW

God’s working in history supernaturally is locked outGod’s working in history supernaturally is locked out The terms “real” and “historical” have been loaded The terms “real” and “historical” have been loaded

with meaning that excludes the supernatural as with meaning that excludes the supernatural as part of “reality” or true “history”part of “reality” or true “history”

Hence, if the “real” “historical” Jesus is supernatural Hence, if the “real” “historical” Jesus is supernatural and incarnational, the Jesus Seminar would be and incarnational, the Jesus Seminar would be a a priori priori unable to find him.unable to find him.

Problem: There are well documented contemporary Problem: There are well documented contemporary works on the validity of being open to the works on the validity of being open to the supernatural. Hence this narrow worldview should supernatural. Hence this narrow worldview should be questioned from the start (see p. 8 note 56 of be questioned from the start (see p. 8 note 56 of my paper).my paper).

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ASSUMPTION #2:ASSUMPTION #2:THE CHRIST OF FAITH IS NOT THE CHRIST OF FAITH IS NOT

THE JESUS OF HISTORYTHE JESUS OF HISTORYSeminar Statements:Seminar Statements:““The authors of traditional Christian The authors of traditional Christian

faith are Peter and Paul” faith are Peter and Paul” The Acts of JesusThe Acts of Jesus, 534., 534.

““The church appears to smother the The church appears to smother the historical Jesus by superimposing this historical Jesus by superimposing this heavenly figure on him in the creed: heavenly figure on him in the creed: Jesus is displaced by the Christ, as the Jesus is displaced by the Christ, as the so-called Apostle’s Creed makes so-called Apostle’s Creed makes evident” evident” 5G, 75G, 7

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Sage

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Sage

Walks On Water

TransfigurationMiraculous Catching of Fish

Calming of the StormSupernatural Healing of Blind and Lame

Virgin Birth

Jesus’ Predictions of the Future

Jesus’ Resurrection

Jesus as the Son of God

Jesus as God

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Sage

Walks On Water

TransfigurationMiraculous Catching of Fish

Calming of the StormSupernatural Healing of Blind and Lame

Virgin Birth

Jesus’ Predictions of the Future

Jesus’ Resurrection

Jesus as the Son of God

Jesus as God

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J S Rules for Finding Jesus’ Words:J S Rules for Finding Jesus’ Words:Find the creations of the Gospel Find the creations of the Gospel writers and early Christians and writers and early Christians and

delete themdelete them Evangelists (the gospel writers) group Evangelists (the gospel writers) group

sayings and parables in clusters and sayings and parables in clusters and complexes that did not originate with complexes that did not originate with Jesus. Jesus.

E.g., the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 are said E.g., the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 are said not to have been originally grouped by not to have been originally grouped by Jesus as they are now. Rather Matthew Jesus as they are now. Rather Matthew grouped them and created a setting for grouped them and created a setting for them (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount).them (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount).

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J S RULES: FINDING GOSPEL J S RULES: FINDING GOSPEL WRITER’S CREATIONSWRITER’S CREATIONS

Evangelists relocate sayings and parables or invent Evangelists relocate sayings and parables or invent new narrative contexts for themnew narrative contexts for them

E.g., Mark 2:23-28: Son of Man is Lord of the E.g., Mark 2:23-28: Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. Here the disciples are criticized about Sabbath. Here the disciples are criticized about harvesting grain in the Sabbath. The Seminar harvesting grain in the Sabbath. The Seminar believes that the criticism was originally directed believes that the criticism was originally directed toward Jesus and that only after Jesus’ death would toward Jesus and that only after Jesus’ death would his disciples be criticized. Hence the Mark puts this in his disciples be criticized. Hence the Mark puts this in a new context. a new context.

In addition, Mark has Jesus quote Scripture as a In addition, Mark has Jesus quote Scripture as a “proof text” to “legitimate” the belief that Jesus had “proof text” to “legitimate” the belief that Jesus had authority over the Sabbath. J S says, “Jesus’ followers authority over the Sabbath. J S says, “Jesus’ followers were inclined to adopt and adapt his words to their were inclined to adopt and adapt his words to their own needs.” own needs.” (5G, 21)(5G, 21)

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J S RULES: FINDING GOSPEL J S RULES: FINDING GOSPEL WRITER’S CREATIONSWRITER’S CREATIONS

Evang. expand sayings or parables or provide them Evang. expand sayings or parables or provide them with an interpretative overlaywith an interpretative overlay

Evang. revise or edit sayings to make them Evang. revise or edit sayings to make them conform to their own individual language, style, or conform to their own individual language, style, or viewpointviewpoint

E.g., Mark 2:19-20 and the issue of fasting. E.g., Mark 2:19-20 and the issue of fasting. The groom’s friends can’t fast while the groom is The groom’s friends can’t fast while the groom is

present, can they? . . . present, can they? . . . But the days will come when But the days will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast”will fast”

This This black black addition “justifies the Christian renewal addition “justifies the Christian renewal of the Jewish practice of fasting even though Jesus of the Jewish practice of fasting even though Jesus and his disciples did not fast” and his disciples did not fast” (5G, 22)(5G, 22)

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J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s CreationsCreations

Evangelists attribute their own statements to JesusEvangelists attribute their own statements to Jesus E.g., Mark 1:15. Mark summarizes here “what he E.g., Mark 1:15. Mark summarizes here “what he

takes to be Jesus’ proclaimation” takes to be Jesus’ proclaimation” (5G, 23)(5G, 23) The following The following is in Mark’s words, not Jesus’:is in Mark’s words, not Jesus’: “The time is up: “The time is up: God’s imperial rule is closing in. Change your God’s imperial rule is closing in. Change your ways, and put your trust in the good news.” ways, and put your trust in the good news.” For J S, For J S, Jesus was not an apocalyptic prophetJesus was not an apocalyptic prophet

Hard sayings are softened and adapted to daily Hard sayings are softened and adapted to daily living situationsliving situations

E.g., Matt. 20:16, E.g., Matt. 20:16, “The last will be first and the first “The last will be first and the first last”last”is softened in Mark 10:31 to is softened in Mark 10:31 to ““ManyMany of the first will of the first will be last, and of the last be last, and of the last manymany will be first.” will be first.”

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J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s CreationsCreations

Words borrowed from common lore or Greek Scriptures are Words borrowed from common lore or Greek Scriptures are put on the lips of Jesus. He did not quote from the OT as put on the lips of Jesus. He did not quote from the OT as that was put on his lips later by the Christians. So all quotes that was put on his lips later by the Christians. So all quotes by Jesus of the OT are suspect.by Jesus of the OT are suspect.

E.g., Matt. 9:13 and Jesus’ quote of Hosea, E.g., Matt. 9:13 and Jesus’ quote of Hosea, “Go and learn “Go and learn what this means, ‘It’s mercy I desire instead of sacrifice’”.what this means, ‘It’s mercy I desire instead of sacrifice’”.

Sayings and parables expressed in “Christian” language are Sayings and parables expressed in “Christian” language are the creation of the evang. or Christian predecessorsthe creation of the evang. or Christian predecessors

E.g., Mark 9:31 E.g., Mark 9:31 “The son of Adam is being turned over to “The son of Adam is being turned over to his enemies, and they will end up killing him. And three his enemies, and they will end up killing him. And three days afterhe is killed he will rise!” days afterhe is killed he will rise!” reflects Paul’s oral reflects Paul’s oral Christian tradition stated in I Cor. 15:3-5, “Christ died for Christian tradition stated in I Cor. 15:3-5, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and was buried, and our sins according to the scriptures, and was buried, and rose up on the third day according to the scriptures”. The rose up on the third day according to the scriptures”. The Mark saying thus originated with early Christians or Paul Mark saying thus originated with early Christians or Paul and not Jesus.and not Jesus.

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J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s J S Rules: Finding Gospel Writer’s CreationsCreations

The Christian community develops apologetic statements to The Christian community develops apologetic statements to defend its claims and sometimes attributes such defend its claims and sometimes attributes such statements to Jesus. The Christians made Jesus “affirm statements to Jesus. The Christians made Jesus “affirm what they themselves had come to believe” what they themselves had come to believe” (5G, 24)(5G, 24)

E.g., Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ and Jesus says,E.g., Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ and Jesus says, You are to be congratulated, Simon son of Jonah, because You are to be congratulated, Simon son of Jonah, because

flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but my Father flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but my Father who is in heaven”who is in heaven”

Sayings and narratives that reflect knowledge of events Sayings and narratives that reflect knowledge of events that took place after Jesus’ death are the creation of the that took place after Jesus’ death are the creation of the evang. or oral tradition. evang. or oral tradition.

E.g., the little apocalypse of Mark 13:5-37 which reflects E.g., the little apocalypse of Mark 13:5-37 which reflects knowledge of the later Roman siege of Jerusalem in 66-70 knowledge of the later Roman siege of Jerusalem in 66-70 AD.AD.

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Results of the Assumption that Results of the Assumption that the Christ of Faith is not the the Christ of Faith is not the

Historical Jesus:Historical Jesus: Jesus could not have foretold things that Jesus could not have foretold things that

happened after his death, so those words are happened after his death, so those words are axedaxed

Anything that looks like the Christ of Faith and Anything that looks like the Christ of Faith and creed of the early church is removedcreed of the early church is removed

Anything on the lips of Jesus that would defend Anything on the lips of Jesus that would defend the early Christian belief is cut outthe early Christian belief is cut out

Anything that looks like an apologetic or view of Anything that looks like an apologetic or view of the particular evang. is not authentic.the particular evang. is not authentic.

Anything supernatural about Jesus is removedAnything supernatural about Jesus is removed Jesus did not resurrect from the dead.Jesus did not resurrect from the dead.

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The Implausibility of this The Implausibility of this AssumptionAssumption

Without a resurrection showing Jesus’ power Without a resurrection showing Jesus’ power over death there is not a necessary and over death there is not a necessary and sufficient cause for the birth of Christianitysufficient cause for the birth of Christianity

Paul’s early oral tradition testimony about Paul’s early oral tradition testimony about Jesus resurrection contradicts this (I Cor. 15:3-Jesus resurrection contradicts this (I Cor. 15:3-5). Jesus is said to have resurrected and thus 5). Jesus is said to have resurrected and thus the Jesus of History is the Christ of Faith.the Jesus of History is the Christ of Faith.

There is insufficient time for the There is insufficient time for the embellishment of a Christ of Faith in only 25-embellishment of a Christ of Faith in only 25-30 years from his death to the writing of the 30 years from his death to the writing of the gospels. Note the following statement by gospels. Note the following statement by Craig:Craig:

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Implausibility Continued:Implausibility Continued: ““. . . the temporal and geographical . . . the temporal and geographical

distance between the events and the distance between the events and the accounts is insufficient to allow for such accounts is insufficient to allow for such extensive development . . . extensive development . . . even two even two generations are too short a span to allow generations are too short a span to allow the mythical tendency to prevail over the the mythical tendency to prevail over the hard historic core of oral traditionhard historic core of oral tradition” ” (Craig, (Craig, Jesus Under Jesus Under Fire,Fire, 154, based on a study in classical historiography on the writings of Herodotus by A. N. Sherwin- 154, based on a study in classical historiography on the writings of Herodotus by A. N. Sherwin-White which tested the “tempo of myth-making”)White which tested the “tempo of myth-making”)

My personal experience with this view My personal experience with this view point in Julian Hills’ class, Marquette Univ. I point in Julian Hills’ class, Marquette Univ. I could not divorce history from faith and be could not divorce history from faith and be real. My faith would then indeed be an real. My faith would then indeed be an imaginative construct.imaginative construct.

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Implausibility Continued:Implausibility Continued: Living eye-witnesses would have functioned as a Living eye-witnesses would have functioned as a

strong control against the development of a Christ of strong control against the development of a Christ of Faith in contrast to a mere human Jesus of Nazareth.Faith in contrast to a mere human Jesus of Nazareth.

A proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection would have A proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection would have fallen on deaf ears had it not happened because (1) fallen on deaf ears had it not happened because (1) the Jews believed in a resurrection at the end of the Jews believed in a resurrection at the end of history not the middle and (2) their belief in the history not the middle and (2) their belief in the resurrection was a “general” one involving all people resurrection was a “general” one involving all people not an “isolated individual”. not an “isolated individual”.

No evidence that the Apostles or the other followers of No evidence that the Apostles or the other followers of Jesus would have made the resurrection up. They Jesus would have made the resurrection up. They were amazed and dumbfounded at it!were amazed and dumbfounded at it!

No evidence in early Christian lit. that the early church No evidence in early Christian lit. that the early church created the Christ of Faith. Rather they depended on created the Christ of Faith. Rather they depended on eyewitnesses. eyewitnesses. (Richard Bauckman, (Richard Bauckman, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses:The Gospels as Eyewitness Jesus and the Eyewitnesses:The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Testimony, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006), 293-297).(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006), 293-297).

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Assumption #3:Assumption #3:Jesus is a Laconic Sage, a Wise Jesus is a Laconic Sage, a Wise

Ancient Near-East TeacherAncient Near-East Teacher ““The Jesus of the gospels is an imaginative The Jesus of the gospels is an imaginative

theological construct, into which has been theological construct, into which has been woven traces of that enigmatic sage from woven traces of that enigmatic sage from Nazareth—traces that cry out for recognition Nazareth—traces that cry out for recognition and liberation from the firm grip of those whose and liberation from the firm grip of those whose faith overpowered their memories. The search faith overpowered their memories. The search for the authentic words of Jesus is a search for for the authentic words of Jesus is a search for the forgotten Jesus” the forgotten Jesus” (5G, 4)(5G, 4)

Thus, the search for the authentic words of Thus, the search for the authentic words of Jesus is a search for the elements of Jesus the Jesus is a search for the elements of Jesus the sage, which is sage, which is presupposedpresupposed to be the real Jesus. to be the real Jesus.

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So to find Jesus, one searches So to find Jesus, one searches for the Sage. He is:for the Sage. He is:

Slow to speechSlow to speech A person who does not provoke encountersA person who does not provoke encounters Self-effacing, modest, unostentatious, not vain gloriousSelf-effacing, modest, unostentatious, not vain glorious Rules of the Jesus Seminar:Rules of the Jesus Seminar: 1. Jesus does not as a rule initiate dialogue or debate, nor 1. Jesus does not as a rule initiate dialogue or debate, nor

does he offer to cure people (e.g., Mk. 12:35-36: does he offer to cure people (e.g., Mk. 12:35-36: “How “How can the scholars claim that the Anointed is the son of can the scholars claim that the Anointed is the son of David?”David?”) )

2. Jesus rarely makes pronouncements or speaks about 2. Jesus rarely makes pronouncements or speaks about himself in the first person (i.e., the “himself in the first person (i.e., the “I amI am” statements in ” statements in John are black, e.g.,“John are black, e.g.,“I am the way, the truth, and . . .)I am the way, the truth, and . . .)3. Jesus makes no claim to be the Anointed Messiah (Mk. 3. Jesus makes no claim to be the Anointed Messiah (Mk. 14:62 is black, “Are you the Anointed . . .”, Jesus replied, 14:62 is black, “Are you the Anointed . . .”, Jesus replied, ““I am! And you shall see the Son of Adam sitting at the I am! And you shall see the Son of Adam sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of the skysky!”) !”) (Scholars version, 5G, 122) (Scholars version, 5G, 122)

Glenn W. Giles
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Problems limiting Jesus to a Problems limiting Jesus to a Sage Sage

Many scholars dispute this claim. Even Jesus’ Many scholars dispute this claim. Even Jesus’ Seminar members disagree among themselves Seminar members disagree among themselves (Crossan says he is a Cynic)(Crossan says he is a Cynic)

Jesus as a sage would not have been threatening Jesus as a sage would not have been threatening to the Jews or the Romans. Thus no reason for him to the Jews or the Romans. Thus no reason for him to be flogged or crucified (two events that the to be flogged or crucified (two events that the Jesus Seminar says are historical).Jesus Seminar says are historical).

““. . . such a Jesus would never have been crucified, . . . such a Jesus would never have been crucified, would never have drawn the fire that he did, would would never have drawn the fire that he did, would never have commanded the following that he did, never have commanded the following that he did, and would never have created a movement that and would never have created a movement that still shakes the world” still shakes the world” (Scot McKnight, Jesus under Fire, 61)(Scot McKnight, Jesus under Fire, 61)

One must ignore all the other claims in the Gospels One must ignore all the other claims in the Gospels (and outside the gospels) about Jesus and who he (and outside the gospels) about Jesus and who he was.was.

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#4 FORM CRITICAL RULES OF #4 FORM CRITICAL RULES OF ORAL TRANSMISSION ORAL TRANSMISSION

Rule 1: Oral memory best retains sayings Rule 1: Oral memory best retains sayings and anecdotes that are short, provocative, and anecdotes that are short, provocative, memorable—and oft-repeatedmemorable—and oft-repeated

Rule 2: The most frequently recorded Rule 2: The most frequently recorded words of Jesus in the surviving gospels words of Jesus in the surviving gospels take the form of aphorisms (terse, concise, take the form of aphorisms (terse, concise, and elegantly formulations of truths or and elegantly formulations of truths or sentiments) and parables sentiments) and parables

Rule 3: The earliest layer of the gospel Rule 3: The earliest layer of the gospel tradition is made up of tradition is made up of singlesingle aphorisms aphorisms

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RESULTS OF THESE RULESRESULTS OF THESE RULESThe Seminar rejected the following The Seminar rejected the following

words as authentic because “there is words as authentic because “there is nothing aphoristic, or memorable, nothing aphoristic, or memorable, about the words” about the words” (5G, 121)(5G, 121)

“ “Have you come out to take me with Have you come out to take me with swords and clubs as though you were swords and clubs as though you were apprehending a rebel? I was with you apprehending a rebel? I was with you in the temple area day after day in the temple area day after day teaching and you didn’t lift a hand teaching and you didn’t lift a hand against me. But the scriptures must against me. But the scriptures must come true!”come true!” Mk. 14:48-49 Mk. 14:48-49 (Scholars Version, 5G, 121)(Scholars Version, 5G, 121)

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FURTHER ORAL TRANSMISSION FURTHER ORAL TRANSMISSION ASSUMPTIONASSUMPTION

The Seminar sees early oral transmission of The Seminar sees early oral transmission of Jesus’ words as informal, uncontrolled, Jesus’ words as informal, uncontrolled, anonymous, non-individual but community anonymous, non-individual but community derived, and without historical consciousness derived, and without historical consciousness that would require them to “care about the that would require them to “care about the distinction between the pre- and post-Easter distinction between the pre- and post-Easter Jesus” (i.e., there seems to be Jesus” (i.e., there seems to be NONO importance attached to the possibility of importance attached to the possibility of eyewitness control of the words of Jesus). eyewitness control of the words of Jesus). (Bauckham, 245).(Bauckham, 245).This is in line with most radical form This is in line with most radical form critics and their view of the fluidity and critics and their view of the fluidity and community of tradition community of tradition (Bauckham, 241-252)(Bauckham, 241-252)

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STORY TELLER LISCENSE STORY TELLER LISCENSE ASSUMPTION OF ORAL TRANS.ASSUMPTION OF ORAL TRANS.

““We know that the evangelists not We know that the evangelists not infrequently ascribed Christian words to Jesusinfrequently ascribed Christian words to Jesus—they made him talk like a Christian, when, in —they made him talk like a Christian, when, in fact he was only the precursor of the fact he was only the precursor of the movement that was to take him as its cultic movement that was to take him as its cultic hero . . . Story tellers in every age freely hero . . . Story tellers in every age freely invent words for characters in their stories. invent words for characters in their stories. This is the storyteller’s license . . . This is the storyteller’s license . . . The The evangelists functioned no differently than evangelists functioned no differently than other storytellersother storytellers . . .” . . .” (Emphasis mine, 5G, 29-30)(Emphasis mine, 5G, 29-30)

Really? Can you be so sure?Really? Can you be so sure?

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ORAL TRANSMISSION ORAL TRANSMISSION CRITIQUECRITIQUE

In first-century Jewish society, memorization was very In first-century Jewish society, memorization was very important. Oral teaching was “controlled” and there was a important. Oral teaching was “controlled” and there was a desire for it to be accurate. (See Birger Gerhardsson, desire for it to be accurate. (See Birger Gerhardsson, Memory and Manuscript,Memory and Manuscript, Bauckham, Bauckham, Jesus and the Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, and Eyewitnesses, and Craig, Blomberg, Craig, Blomberg, Historical Reliability of Historical Reliability of the Gospelsthe Gospels).).

It was a “culture of memory” It was a “culture of memory” (Bock, (Bock, Jesus Under FireJesus Under Fire, 80), 80) NT shows indeed there is a concern for history. E.g., NT shows indeed there is a concern for history. E.g.,

Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 and Luke’s statement in Lk. 1:1-4Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 and Luke’s statement in Lk. 1:1-4 LivingLiving eyewitnesses, including the Apostles, would have eyewitnesses, including the Apostles, would have

functioned to preserve the accuracy of Jesus’ words.functioned to preserve the accuracy of Jesus’ words. The time was too short between Jesus’ death and the writing The time was too short between Jesus’ death and the writing

of the gospels for the extensive development assumed of the gospels for the extensive development assumed

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THE JESUS OF HISTORY SO THE JESUS OF HISTORY SO FARFAR

Non-supernatural, no predictive words, no Non-supernatural, no predictive words, no miraclesmiracles

Non-Christ of Faith, not Lord, not Son of GodNon-Christ of Faith, not Lord, not Son of God Only a SageOnly a Sage Speaks only in parables and short, pithy, Speaks only in parables and short, pithy,

provocative, memorable, single aphorismsprovocative, memorable, single aphorisms Slow to speech, person of few wordsSlow to speech, person of few words Does not provoke encounters, does not Does not provoke encounters, does not

initiate dialogue or debateinitiate dialogue or debate Makes no claim to be the MessiahMakes no claim to be the Messiah Does not speak about himself in the first Does not speak about himself in the first

personperson

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#5: CRITERIA OF DISSIMILARITY: #5: CRITERIA OF DISSIMILARITY: HOW TO TELL JESUS’ DISTINCTIVE HOW TO TELL JESUS’ DISTINCTIVE

VOICEVOICE Different from common loreDifferent from common lore His sayings “cut against the social and His sayings “cut against the social and

religious grain”religious grain” His sayings “surprise and shock”, they call His sayings “surprise and shock”, they call

for a “reversal of roles or frustrate ordinary, for a “reversal of roles or frustrate ordinary, everyday expectations”everyday expectations”

His sayings are characterized by His sayings are characterized by “exaggeration, humor, and paradox”“exaggeration, humor, and paradox”

His images “are concrete and vivid, his His images “are concrete and vivid, his sayings are . . . metaphorical and without sayings are . . . metaphorical and without explicit application”explicit application”(5G, 30-32)(5G, 30-32)

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PROBLEM WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CRITERIACRITERIA

It only can determine Jesus’ unique words It only can determine Jesus’ unique words and actionsand actions

Thus the real Jesus becomes defined only Thus the real Jesus becomes defined only by his uniqueness. Many, if not much, of by his uniqueness. Many, if not much, of his real words and actions would then be his real words and actions would then be excluded. excluded.

Combined with the Christ of Faith Combined with the Christ of Faith exclusion, it forces one to make Jesus exclusion, it forces one to make Jesus dissimilar with both the early church and dissimilar with both the early church and his Jewish culture!his Jewish culture!

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WITH THIS CRITERIA, JESUS WITH THIS CRITERIA, JESUS BECOMESBECOMES

““a decidedly odd figure, totally detached a decidedly odd figure, totally detached from his cultural heritage from his cultural heritage andand ideologically estranged from the ideologically estranged from the movement he is responsible for movement he is responsible for founding . . . He becomes an eccentric if founding . . . He becomes an eccentric if only that which makes him different is only that which makes him different is regarded as authentic. The criterion may regarded as authentic. The criterion may help us understand where Jesus’ teaching help us understand where Jesus’ teaching is exceptional, but it can never give us is exceptional, but it can never give us the essential Jesus”the essential Jesus” (Bock, (Bock, Jesus Under FireJesus Under Fire, 91), 91)

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#6: BURDEN OF PROOF REVERSAL: #6: BURDEN OF PROOF REVERSAL: GOSPELS ARE ASSUMED TO BE GOSPELS ARE ASSUMED TO BE

GUILTYGUILTYThe Seminar requires that the words of The Seminar requires that the words of

Jesus reported in the gospels be Jesus reported in the gospels be “shown to be authentic” “shown to be authentic” through the through the Seminar’s criteriaSeminar’s criteria instead of assuming instead of assuming them to be true until shown otherwisethem to be true until shown otherwise

This is a reversal of the normal This is a reversal of the normal approach to historyapproach to history

The gospels are assumed guilty from The gospels are assumed guilty from the startthe start

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THE SEMINAR AND THE SEMINAR AND NORMAL NORMAL HISTORYHISTORY

““The current assumption is more nearly the The current assumption is more nearly the opposite and indicates how far scholarship opposite and indicates how far scholarship has come since Strauss: the gospels are now has come since Strauss: the gospels are now assumed to be narratives in which the assumed to be narratives in which the memory of Jesus is embellished by mythic memory of Jesus is embellished by mythic elements that express the church’s faith in elements that express the church’s faith in him, and by plausible fictions that enhance him, and by plausible fictions that enhance the telling of the gospel story for first-century the telling of the gospel story for first-century listeners who knew about divine men and listeners who knew about divine men and miracles first hand. Supposedly historical miracles first hand. Supposedly historical elements in these narratives therefore must elements in these narratives therefore must be demonstrated to be so. The Jesus Seminar be demonstrated to be so. The Jesus Seminar has accordingly assumed the burden of proof . has accordingly assumed the burden of proof . . .” (5G, 4-5). .” (5G, 4-5)

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CRITIQUE OF REVERSALCRITIQUE OF REVERSAL It is not the It is not the normal normal way to do historyway to do history““If we were to apply such standards to If we were to apply such standards to

other documents, whole shelves of ancient other documents, whole shelves of ancient history would have to be excluded” history would have to be excluded” (Bock, 90)(Bock, 90)

““Guilty before innocent” stance is “against Guilty before innocent” stance is “against the grain” of contemporary historical and the grain” of contemporary historical and Biblical scholarship. Biblical scholarship. (Robert Kurka, unpublished paper, “A Jesus We Have Never (Robert Kurka, unpublished paper, “A Jesus We Have Never Known,” 10)Known,” 10)

It is based on the dubious assumption that It is based on the dubious assumption that the early church created the Christ of the early church created the Christ of FaithFaith

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THE DUBIOUS PROCEEDURETHE DUBIOUS PROCEEDURE The Seminar sets up highly debatable The Seminar sets up highly debatable

rules, assumptions, and criteria that find rules, assumptions, and criteria that find their already predetermined vision of their already predetermined vision of Jesus. With all these criteria, how could Jesus. With all these criteria, how could they find any other Jesus?they find any other Jesus?

The Seminar in the end violates its own The Seminar in the end violates its own final general rule which states, “Beware of final general rule which states, “Beware of finding a Jesus entirely congenial to you” finding a Jesus entirely congenial to you” (5G, 5)(5G, 5) They indeed find a predetermined They indeed find a predetermined Jesus sage congenial to them.Jesus sage congenial to them.

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#7 THE GNOSTIC GOSPEL OF #7 THE GNOSTIC GOSPEL OF THOMAS ASSUMPTIONTHOMAS ASSUMPTION

Canonical boundaries rule:Canonical boundaries rule:The Seminar states, “Canonical boundaries are The Seminar states, “Canonical boundaries are irrelevant in critical assessments of the various irrelevant in critical assessments of the various sources of information about Jesus” sources of information about Jesus” (5G, 35)(5G, 35)

The Seminar thus says that The Seminar thus says that all all surviving gospels surviving gospels should be included as sources cutting off at 325 should be included as sources cutting off at 325 when the “orthodox party solidified its hold on the when the “orthodox party solidified its hold on the Christian tradition and other wings of the Christian tradition and other wings of the Christian movement were choked off” Christian movement were choked off” (5G, 35.)(5G, 35.)

The Seminar sets up the Gospel of Thomas as a The Seminar sets up the Gospel of Thomas as a valid source by constructing a valid source by constructing a hypotheticalhypothetical early early edition of Thomas dated 50-60 ADedition of Thomas dated 50-60 AD

The Seminar Gospel Sources are understood as The Seminar Gospel Sources are understood as follows: follows:

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SEMINAR INCONSISTENCYSEMINAR INCONSISTENCY It only considers It only considers for evaluationfor evaluation the the

Gospel of ThomasGospel of Thomas It does mention the Egerton Gospel It does mention the Egerton Gospel

and the Secret Gospel of Mark but and the Secret Gospel of Mark but does not evaluate them muchdoes not evaluate them much

It does not pay attention to the It does not pay attention to the Gospel of Peter, the Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, the Gospel of Mary, or the other non-canonical gospelsor the other non-canonical gospels

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SEMINAR ASSUMPTIONSEMINAR ASSUMPTION Excludes these other gospels seemingly because it Excludes these other gospels seemingly because it

assumes that “present knowledge of what Jesus assumes that “present knowledge of what Jesus said rests mostly on the evidence provided by said rests mostly on the evidence provided by “hypothetical Q, hypothetical L, hypothetical M, “hypothetical Q, hypothetical L, hypothetical M, Mark and Thomas”Mark and Thomas”(5G, 16)(5G, 16)

The extant Gospel of Thomas (dating in the late 2The extant Gospel of Thomas (dating in the late 2ndnd century AD) has an earlier edition to be dated with century AD) has an earlier edition to be dated with Q around 50-60 ADQ around 50-60 AD

This would give the Seminar a second witness (with This would give the Seminar a second witness (with hypothetical Q) of a sayings only gospel in the first hypothetical Q) of a sayings only gospel in the first century, a gospel void of the passion narrative, thus century, a gospel void of the passion narrative, thus bolstering its position that the earliest remembered bolstering its position that the earliest remembered sayings were without narrative setting and thus sayings were without narrative setting and thus created by the canonical gospel authors and the created by the canonical gospel authors and the Christian communityChristian community

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PROBLEMS WITH THOMASPROBLEMS WITH THOMASWhile “almost all scholars concede that While “almost all scholars concede that

Thomas could have been composed as Thomas could have been composed as early as the middle of the second early as the middle of the second century, the evidence strongly suggests century, the evidence strongly suggests that Thomas was not composed before that Thomas was not composed before A.D. 175-180.” A.D. 175-180.” (Evans, (Evans, Fabricating Jesus,Fabricating Jesus,67)67)

Thomas quotes or alludes to Mk., Lk., Thomas quotes or alludes to Mk., Lk., John, Paul, Revelation and so could not John, Paul, Revelation and so could not have been written before themhave been written before them (Evans, (Evans, Fabricating Fabricating Jesus, Jesus, 67-77)67-77)

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THOMAS PROBLEMS CONT.THOMAS PROBLEMS CONT. Thomas reflects what more liberal scholars call “late Thomas reflects what more liberal scholars call “late

gospel material” and “later” gospel editing which gospel material” and “later” gospel editing which would make Thomas influenced by the New would make Thomas influenced by the New Testament Gospels not the other way aroundTestament Gospels not the other way around

““Thomas shows familiarity with late traditions Thomas shows familiarity with late traditions distinctive to Eastern Syrian Christianity” which distinctive to Eastern Syrian Christianity” which would argue for a late 2would argue for a late 2ndnd century date. century date. (for both of these, see Evans, (for both of these, see Evans, Fabricating JesusFabricating Jesus, 67-77), 67-77)

Hence, there is no real support for an early Thomas Hence, there is no real support for an early Thomas and thus no good justification with making this and thus no good justification with making this gospel a “source” for the authentic words of Jesus.gospel a “source” for the authentic words of Jesus.

Interestingly, only 3 sections in the Gospel of Thomas Interestingly, only 3 sections in the Gospel of Thomas are colored red (36 are pink) by the Seminar. Can are colored red (36 are pink) by the Seminar. Can this “sayings” gospel written down within 20 years of this “sayings” gospel written down within 20 years of Jesus death have changed that much? Aren’t these Jesus death have changed that much? Aren’t these supposed to be more stable?supposed to be more stable?

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THE POSTMODERN GARB OF THE THE POSTMODERN GARB OF THE JESUS SEMINARJESUS SEMINAR

Postmodern characteristics and themes:Postmodern characteristics and themes: Western culture’s way of understanding Western culture’s way of understanding

history is now to be questioned and rewrittenhistory is now to be questioned and rewritten Western metanarratives (e.g., the Bible) are Western metanarratives (e.g., the Bible) are

now to be questioned. No one value system now to be questioned. No one value system is to be allowed. No universal truth is to be is to be allowed. No universal truth is to be tolerated as it is bias and bigotedtolerated as it is bias and bigoted

Knowledge, authority, and values are “up for Knowledge, authority, and values are “up for grabs”, all “authorities” are to be placed on grabs”, all “authorities” are to be placed on the same authority level as everyone else.the same authority level as everyone else.

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POSTMODERN GARB POSTMODERN GARB CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Intentional Intentional deconstructiondeconstruction of traditional of traditional standards, and standards of authority, as standards, and standards of authority, as well as standard texts (e.g., the Bible) is well as standard texts (e.g., the Bible) is the call of the hour. When deconstructed, the call of the hour. When deconstructed, every text has many meanings determined every text has many meanings determined by one’s own sociocultural situation. There by one’s own sociocultural situation. There is no one true meaning.is no one true meaning.

Reality is in the mind of the beholder Reality is in the mind of the beholder which is conditioned by his own which is conditioned by his own environmentenvironment

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POSTMODERNISM GARB POSTMODERNISM GARB CONT.CONT.

Truth does not come from any God in heaven Truth does not come from any God in heaven but is constructed by the person’s own life but is constructed by the person’s own life situation. Each person along with its own situation. Each person along with its own society creates truth. There is no objective society creates truth. There is no objective authoritative foundation of “Scripture, creeds authoritative foundation of “Scripture, creeds and confessions, and ecclesiastical tradition”.and confessions, and ecclesiastical tradition”.

No one should be “marginalized”. The No one should be “marginalized”. The marginalized must be freed from oppression marginalized must be freed from oppression and exploitationand exploitation

A strong anti-Enlightenment stance. Rejection A strong anti-Enlightenment stance. Rejection of the West’s “universal intellectual terrorism”of the West’s “universal intellectual terrorism”(From Daniel Adams, “Toward a Theological Understanding of Postmodernism,” at (From Daniel Adams, “Toward a Theological Understanding of Postmodernism,” at www.crosscurrents.org/adams.htm)www.crosscurrents.org/adams.htm)

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THE SEMINAR’S POSTMODERN THE SEMINAR’S POSTMODERN GARB:GARB:

The Seminar’s own “life situation” or The Seminar’s own “life situation” or Sitz Im Sitz Im LebenLeben, (i.e., its own, (i.e., its own radical higher critical radical higher critical environment and presuppositions) creates its environment and presuppositions) creates its own truth about Jesusown truth about Jesus

The Seminar feels a need to justify its own The Seminar feels a need to justify its own belief system and refuses to be marginalized belief system and refuses to be marginalized or suppressed. The Seminar is crying out for or suppressed. The Seminar is crying out for the acceptance of their position (see 5G, 1ff) the acceptance of their position (see 5G, 1ff) which has been suppressed by the which has been suppressed by the fundamentalists and orthodox theologians too fundamentalists and orthodox theologians too long. It is time for their freedom!long. It is time for their freedom!

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POSTMODERN GARBPOSTMODERN GARB The Seminar uses postmodern terms when it The Seminar uses postmodern terms when it

says it sees the Christ of the Gospels as an says it sees the Christ of the Gospels as an “imaginative theological “imaginative theological constructconstruct”” (5G, 4) (5G, 4) The The Seminar believes the early church created the Seminar believes the early church created the Christ of Faith out of its desire (need) to justify Christ of Faith out of its desire (need) to justify Jesus’ divinity and deal with his death. So the Jesus’ divinity and deal with his death. So the early church rewrote history to fit their early church rewrote history to fit their “theological construct”. Hence the early church “theological construct”. Hence the early church engaged in postmodernism. The Seminar is engaged in postmodernism. The Seminar is blind to seeing that they are doing the same blind to seeing that they are doing the same thing that they are accusing the early church of thing that they are accusing the early church of doing: rewriting history according to their own doing: rewriting history according to their own theological construct! theological construct!

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POSTMODERN GARBPOSTMODERN GARB The gospel texts are deconstructed by the The gospel texts are deconstructed by the

Seminar. This allows them to create the Seminar. This allows them to create the Jesus they want to find.Jesus they want to find.

The Seminar undermines the authoritative The Seminar undermines the authoritative canonical status of the Four Gospels to canonical status of the Four Gospels to include the Gospel of Thomas which seems include the Gospel of Thomas which seems to be given a higher status (with Q) than to be given a higher status (with Q) than the canonical gospels. The exclusive the canonical gospels. The exclusive authority of the four NT gospels is authority of the four NT gospels is dethroned.dethroned.

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POSTMODERN GARBPOSTMODERN GARBThe “fairness” or “non-marginalizing” The “fairness” or “non-marginalizing”

principle is followed in the voting and principle is followed in the voting and scoring system so each Fellow’s vote scoring system so each Fellow’s vote would “count”.would “count”.

Hence “fairness” is used to determine Hence “fairness” is used to determine truth.truth.

There is to be no one “marginalized”.There is to be no one “marginalized”.The Seminar states:The Seminar states:

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POSTMODERN GARBPOSTMODERN GARB ““This system seemed superior to a system This system seemed superior to a system

that relied on majorities or pluralities of one that relied on majorities or pluralities of one type or another. In a system that made the type or another. In a system that made the dividing line between pink and gray a simple dividing line between pink and gray a simple majority, nearly half of the Fellows would lose majority, nearly half of the Fellows would lose their vote. There would only be winners and their vote. There would only be winners and losers. Under weighted averages, all votes losers. Under weighted averages, all votes would count in the averages. Black votes in would count in the averages. Black votes in particular could readily pull an average down . particular could readily pull an average down . . . Yet this shortcoming seemed consonant . . Yet this shortcoming seemed consonant with the methodological skepticism that was a with the methodological skepticism that was a working principle of the Seminar: when in working principle of the Seminar: when in sufficient doubt, leave it out” sufficient doubt, leave it out” (5G, 37.)(5G, 37.)

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GARB PROBLEMSGARB PROBLEMS The “fairness principle” worked to marginalize The “fairness principle” worked to marginalize

the majority at times. E.g., for Mt. 6:6a the majority at times. E.g., for Mt. 6:6a “When “When you pray, go into a room by your self and shut you pray, go into a room by your self and shut the door behind you”,the door behind you”, 58% of the scholars 58% of the scholars voted (red or pink) to attribute it to Jesus. But voted (red or pink) to attribute it to Jesus. But 27% colored it black. It ended up gray and 27% colored it black. It ended up gray and thus not true words of Jesus. Problem: the thus not true words of Jesus. Problem: the majority was marginalized. (See 5G, 148).majority was marginalized. (See 5G, 148).

Similarly Mt. 6:22-23 and 11:16-19. (See 5G, Similarly Mt. 6:22-23 and 11:16-19. (See 5G, 151, 180).151, 180).

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GARB PROBLEMSGARB PROBLEMS When thoroughly followed, each generation’s Jesus is to When thoroughly followed, each generation’s Jesus is to

be and should be created in its own image according to be and should be created in its own image according to its “own particular needs, visions, and programs”. So its “own particular needs, visions, and programs”. So the Jesus Seminar would be justified in their conclusions the Jesus Seminar would be justified in their conclusions too. But is this really what they want or teach?too. But is this really what they want or teach?

The Seminar states that it embraces Enlightenment The Seminar states that it embraces Enlightenment principles at its foundation, but it dresses it and principles at its foundation, but it dresses it and modifies it in postmodern garb seemingly in hope of modifies it in postmodern garb seemingly in hope of gaining public acceptance of its view of the historical gaining public acceptance of its view of the historical Jesus. Which will it be? Enlightenment principles or Jesus. Which will it be? Enlightenment principles or Postmodern principles? If Postmodern, then their view of Postmodern principles? If Postmodern, then their view of Jesus is no more “true” than anyone else’s. So why the Jesus is no more “true” than anyone else’s. So why the polemic against conservative and other views? If polemic against conservative and other views? If Enlightenment, why the post-modern garb? Enlightenment, why the post-modern garb?

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SUMMARY OF CRITIQUESUMMARY OF CRITIQUE JS conclusions are preconditioned by their own JS conclusions are preconditioned by their own

dubious presuppostional posturedubious presuppostional posture Dubious assumptions:Dubious assumptions: The real Jesus is non-supernaturalThe real Jesus is non-supernatural The Christ of Faith is a creation of the churchThe Christ of Faith is a creation of the church Jesus is only a sageJesus is only a sage This harmless, quiet, non-confrontational, non-This harmless, quiet, non-confrontational, non-

controversial, non-threatening sage spawned the controversial, non-threatening sage spawned the powerful Christian movementpowerful Christian movement

This harmless sage was flogged and crucifiedThis harmless sage was flogged and crucified The oral tradition (as seen in the four gospels) The oral tradition (as seen in the four gospels)

changed and modified the real Jesus in only about changed and modified the real Jesus in only about one generation after Jesus’ death and in spite of one generation after Jesus’ death and in spite of living eyewitnesses living eyewitnesses

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SUMMARY CONTINUEDSUMMARY CONTINUED This Jesus was an odd figure, totally detached from This Jesus was an odd figure, totally detached from

his cultural heritage and ideologically estranged from his cultural heritage and ideologically estranged from the movement he is responsible to have foundedthe movement he is responsible to have founded

The four gospel accounts of Jesus The four gospel accounts of Jesus a prioria priori cannot be cannot be trustedtrusted

Gospel history should begin with skepticism and be Gospel history should begin with skepticism and be done differently than all other ancient history.done differently than all other ancient history.

The Gospel of Thomas (or an earlier version of it) can The Gospel of Thomas (or an earlier version of it) can be dated as early as 50-60 AD and should be be dated as early as 50-60 AD and should be considered as a “source” for the real words of Jesusconsidered as a “source” for the real words of Jesus

Truth can be “voted on” Truth can be “voted on” No one or their beliefs should be marginalized. It is No one or their beliefs should be marginalized. It is

alright however to marginalize those who believe in alright however to marginalize those who believe in one universal truthone universal truth

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION All the presuppositions of the Jesus Seminar ensure the All the presuppositions of the Jesus Seminar ensure the

discovery of an historical Jesus created in the discovery of an historical Jesus created in the predetermined image of the Jesus Seminar itself. predetermined image of the Jesus Seminar itself.

It has built dubious presuppositions upon dubious It has built dubious presuppositions upon dubious presuppositions and therefore its results are not worthy presuppositions and therefore its results are not worthy of serious consideration. of serious consideration.

The Jesus Seminar project is not one of discovery, nor is The Jesus Seminar project is not one of discovery, nor is it scientific. It amounts to the forcing of the Gospel it scientific. It amounts to the forcing of the Gospel material through a narrow preconceived sieve which material through a narrow preconceived sieve which only Jesus as a Sage can pass through and be only Jesus as a Sage can pass through and be recognized. Hence, the Seminar has failed to establish recognized. Hence, the Seminar has failed to establish its sage Jesus as the real Jesus.its sage Jesus as the real Jesus.

The Jesus seminar has therefore conducted its “search” The Jesus seminar has therefore conducted its “search” on false pretenses (it is not a “search”) and no one on false pretenses (it is not a “search”) and no one should feel compelled to embrace its conclusions. should feel compelled to embrace its conclusions.

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FROM APOLOGETICS TO ERISTICS: FROM APOLOGETICS TO ERISTICS: FINDING THE REAL JESUSFINDING THE REAL JESUS

Apologetics: Defense of the faithApologetics: Defense of the faith Eristics: The advance or offense of the faithEristics: The advance or offense of the faith To find the real Jesus, we must:To find the real Jesus, we must: Reunite the Christ of Faith with the Jesus of Reunite the Christ of Faith with the Jesus of

History. We must allow Jesus to be History. We must allow Jesus to be supernatural as well as human. The supernatural as well as human. The justification of this comes fromjustification of this comes from1. Eyewitness testimony of the Gospels which 1. Eyewitness testimony of the Gospels which speak of this unity (e.g., Luke 1:1-4)speak of this unity (e.g., Luke 1:1-4)2. Eyewitness testimony and oral tradition 2. Eyewitness testimony and oral tradition corroboration of the NT letters (e.g., Paul’s corroboration of the NT letters (e.g., Paul’s letters and statements, e.g., I Cor. 15:3-8)letters and statements, e.g., I Cor. 15:3-8)

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ERISTICSERISTICS3. The eyewitness testimony in the book of 3. The eyewitness testimony in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 2:22-24, 36)Acts (e.g., Acts 2:22-24, 36)4. The testimony of the Apostolic Fathers and 4. The testimony of the Apostolic Fathers and their use of the unified term “Jesus Christ”, their use of the unified term “Jesus Christ”, “Jesus is the Christ”, “Christ is Lord”. E.g., “Jesus is the Christ”, “Christ is Lord”. E.g., I I Clement 21 (96AD) which states, “Let us Clement 21 (96AD) which states, “Let us reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood blood was given for us” was given for us” (Roberts, Donaldson, Coxe, (Roberts, Donaldson, Coxe, The Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 1, 11)11)

There is no compelling historical evidence that There is no compelling historical evidence that the church of the first century created the the church of the first century created the Christ of Faith.Christ of Faith.

Let us proclaim without reservation the Jesus of Let us proclaim without reservation the Jesus of the NT Gospels!the NT Gospels!

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HOW TO FIND JESUSHOW TO FIND JESUS Not through Post-modern or Enlightenment Not through Post-modern or Enlightenment

deconstruction of the texts of the Bible or personal deconstruction of the texts of the Bible or personal constructs made by us or the early church.constructs made by us or the early church.

It is through establishing a personal, experiential It is through establishing a personal, experiential relationship with him as a relationship with him as a living being, as Jesus the living being, as Jesus the Christ.Christ. He is alive now, not just in past history. He is alive now, not just in past history. History did not end with his death. It continues and History did not end with his death. It continues and he continues (Heb. 7:24). he continues (Heb. 7:24).

This relationship is not limited to the intellectual This relationship is not limited to the intellectual realm but must be experiential, involving both our realm but must be experiential, involving both our and God’s heart, mind, soul, and strength.and God’s heart, mind, soul, and strength.

It is two sided. We must experience God and He us It is two sided. We must experience God and He us (Gal 4:9; Matt. 7:23; Deut. 8:2; I Cor. 8:1b-3; I Jn. (Gal 4:9; Matt. 7:23; Deut. 8:2; I Cor. 8:1b-3; I Jn. 5:3) 5:3)

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ERISTICSERISTICSLet us eristically urge the members of the Let us eristically urge the members of the

Jesus Seminar to find the real living Jesus Jesus Seminar to find the real living Jesus by making him Lord in surrender to him by making him Lord in surrender to him for all he really is; for all he really is; the living historical the living historical unified-in-personhood Jesus the Christunified-in-personhood Jesus the Christ

This is the testimony of the Apostle John This is the testimony of the Apostle John in I John. 4:2b-3; 5:6a, 12). Let us and in I John. 4:2b-3; 5:6a, 12). Let us and everyone embrace it and not fall for the everyone embrace it and not fall for the false dichotomy of the Christ of Faith and false dichotomy of the Christ of Faith and the Jesus of History:the Jesus of History:

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THE EYEWITNESS PLEA OF JOHN THE EYEWITNESS PLEA OF JOHN THE APOSTLETHE APOSTLE

Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist which you have the spirit of the antichrist which you have heard is coming and even now is already heard is coming and even now is already in the world. . . This is the one who came in the world. . . This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ . . . He by water and blood—Jesus Christ . . . He who has the Son has life; he who does not who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life have the Son of God does not have life

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SUGGESTED READINGSSUGGESTED READINGS Bauckham, Richard. Bauckham, Richard. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: Jesus and the Eyewitnesses:

The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Grand Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.

Evans, Craig A. Evans. Evans, Craig A. Evans. Fabricating Jesus: How Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels. Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels. Downers Downers Grove, IVP, 2006.Grove, IVP, 2006.

Funk, Robert W.; Hoover, Roy W.; and The Jesus Funk, Robert W.; Hoover, Roy W.; and The Jesus Seminar, Seminar, The Five Gospels: The Search for the The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus. Authentic Words of Jesus. New York: Macmillan, New York: Macmillan, 19931993

Funk, Robert W.; and The Jesus Seminar, Funk, Robert W.; and The Jesus Seminar, The Acts The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus.Jesus. San Francisco: Harper, 1998. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.

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READINGS CONTINUEDREADINGS CONTINUED Johnson, Luke Timothy. Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Real Jesus: The Real Jesus:

The Misguided Quest for the Historical The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Gospels. Gospels. San Francisco: Harper, 1997.San Francisco: Harper, 1997.

Wilkins, Michael J. and Moreland, J. P., eds, Wilkins, Michael J. and Moreland, J. P., eds, Jesus Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Jesus Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents the Historical Jesus. Reinvents the Historical Jesus. Grand Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.

Wright, N. T. Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.