New Testament Quetions: Week 5

1. Redaction criticism is the study of the author’s editorial choices in writing the scriptures and how these choices correlate both to the author’s theology and the characteristics of the intended audience. When studying the Sypnotic Gospels, this form of criticism brings to light different aspects of the story that one author finds pertinent and in turn shows what he thinks is most important for the reader to understand. This not only gives a small look at the personalities of the evangelists, but also opens up the possibility of finding plural meanings in a single event. For example, Luke, at the genesis of his gospel, includes the story of John the Baptist being filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb of Elizabeth, while Mark omits this event and begins his gospel with the story of John the Baptist preparing the way for the Messiah. From this one can conclude that both evangelists find that John the Baptist plays an important role in the story of Christ, but some events regarding him have more or less value to their audience. Mark was most likely writing to Gentiles and was mostly concerned with showing the impressiveness of Jesus, whereas Luke focused on the Holy Spirit and it’s power. Because this story contained a depiction of a move of the Holy Spirit but didn’t show the impressiveness of Jesus, Luke includes when Mark excludes it.

2. In modern times, the Gospel of Mark is most pertinent to a situation that involves a believer preaching apologetics. Due to the nature of Mark’s audience, which included: pagans, cynics, philosophers, and epicurean-natured people, Mark wrote with an extreme emphasis on the importance and deity that is Jesus. Throughout his gospel, he is often quick to point out the power and accuracy involved with Jesus’ endeavors. Through this style of presenting the Gospel, one would have to be blind to not see the A + B = C style with which Mark writes. With this undecorated way of presenting the gospel, one could use this cut and dry method of presenting the proof of Jesus being the Christ in an apologetic situation.

3. A new Christian and an audience of non-believers such as agnostics and atheists would probably find the Gospel of Mark to be the most appealing. Due to the emphatic nature of the Gospel of Mark concerning the proof of Jesus as the Christ, a new Christian would find Mark appealing because it would be simple to read and act as a reinforcement to their weak faith. Also, an agnostic and atheist audience would also find this Gospel appealing due to the matter-of-fact manner in which Mark chooses to use when writing. Most atheists or agnostics rely heavily on science for explanations, which, in turn, creates a mindset of: “This is only a fact if there is enough evidence to back it up.” Mark uses this manner of conveying and convincing people of the truth within his writing of his Gospel. The lack of emphasis on the Holy Spirit that Mark omits (but Luke includes) helps to clarify the story of Jesus without adding another tangle that can be hard to understand to those outside of the faith. Through his form of presenting the Gospel, Mark would appeal most to: Christians, and non-believers such as atheists and agnostics.