Criticisms of the New Testament

Question 1

What is the Synoptic Problem?

Answer 1

The question of how to explain the similarities and differences among the Synoptic Gospels is called the Synoptic Problem

Question 2

What are the hypothesises?

Answer 2

• Two source: Mt and Lk used Mk and Q to compose their gospels
• Four source: Alongside Mk and Q, Mt and Lk had separate independent sources known as M and L
• Proto-Gospel: All gospels were written using a pre-existing written source

Question 3

What is Source Criticism?

Answer 3

A method of study of the New Testament, seeking to understand the underlying sources that are reproduced within it.

Question 4

What is Form Criticism?

Answer 4

The process of classifying the New Testament books according to their literary genre and then analysing the contents to discern differences.

Question 5

What are the 5 different forms suggested by Dibelius? (FC)

Answer 5

Paradigms - Brief episodes
Tales - Stories of Jesus’ miracles
Legends
Myths - Supernatural is breaking into the natural world
Exhortations - The teaching material found in the gospels

Question 6

What is Redaction Criticism?

Answer 6

It is the process of attempting to discern the differences in the synoptic gospels by analysing the way evangelists edit their gospel