Oral Tradition and the Gospels: The Problem of Mark 4The problem of oral tradition is well known, for without some theory of this medium no history of Jesus would be possible. This study examines Mark 4.1-34 in the light of three distinctive models of orality: Rudolf Bultmann's form-critical method, B. Gerhardsson's 'Memory and Manuscript' theory and the recent contribution of W. Kelber. The form-critically separate units in the test (allegory, parables and aphorisms) are examined on the basis of their attestation in various documents (Mark, Q, Thomas) to determine whether independent versions of these sayings can be identified and what they tell us about the oral phase and Jesus. This analysis suggests that the criteria for authenticity of 'distinctiveness' and 'multiple attestation' need to be re-examined in light of the folkloric understanding of orality. |
Contents
9 | |
11 | |
13 | |
28 | |
THE CONTRIBUTION OF FOLKLORIC ANALYSIS | 75 |
THE MARKAN REDACTION OF 4134 | 120 |
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER AND ITS INTERPRETATION | 192 |
Chapter 5 PARABLES AND ORALITY | 220 |
MARK 42125 | 268 |
THE IRRECOVERABLE BARRIER TO JESUS | 295 |
Appendixes | 306 |
311 | |
325 | |
332 | |
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Common terms and phrases
according addition agreement allegorical alteration aphorism application argues assumption believes Bultmann chapter character Christian close common Compare composition conclusion context contrast criticism Crossan culture disciples distinctive early Epic establish evidence examination example explanation expression fact find first formulaic Gerhardsson given Gospel Greek hear Hence independent interpretation Jeremias Jesus Kelber Kingdom laws linguistic literary literature Lord Mark Mark’s Markan material Matthew Matthew and Luke meaning Messianic Secret motif Mystery narrative nature notes oral phase oral tradition original parable parallels particularly passage pattern performance phrase Poetry points possible present Press problem provides question rabbinic reading reconstruction redactional regarding relationship repetition represents sayings scholars secondary seed seen setting shows significant similar Sower story structure style synoptic teaching techniques term textual theme theological Thomas translation transmission understanding units verses written