Parables and Miracles ppq (15)

Question 1

Is context so important that parables cannot be understood in the 21st century? Yes

Answer 1

> Contexts makes the teaching clearer and more understandable, Ist Century context is very different to 21st Century >teachings intended for a different audience?> context important in the first instance, if it wasn’t understood but the 1st Century christians, maybe there would be no christianity now days> context overshadows teachings> different sitz in leben

Question 2

Is context so important that parables cannot be understood in the 21st century? No

Answer 2

> Divine message should be clear. God’s message is timeless>Human experience is broader now, son context may be clearer>Makes people think more about the message, so more likely to respond positively>Gods message for all >scholars can help us understand context, so teaching is clear>morna hooker- ‘making sense to those prepared to accept their challenge

Question 3

Are scholars necessary to ensure people have a true understanding of the theological messages from the parables and healings? Yes

Answer 3

> scholars may need to explain context and ‘sitz in leben’ that doesn’t make sense in the modern world, making the message clearerAllegorical interpretation> Scholars understand how life was in the 1st century>Understand bias of evangelists and can take it into account> Needed for initial translation> makes work more accessible> if we didn’t need scholars they simply wouldn’t exist> make words clear- e.g. ‘legion’ would not be understood in modern times, but is vital to healing

Question 4

Are scholars necessary to ensure people have a true understanding of the theological messages from the parables and healings? No

Answer 4

> Contemporary audience didn’t need scholars to understand parables. J wouldn’t have thought scholars were necessary>Message should be outstanding if you open your heart- divine message>Easy to do our own simple research about context>scholars can be bias>Scholars may over complicate message and give the wrong view- open to personal interpretation

Question 5

‘In a scientific age Jesus’ miracles have no meaning.’ Assess this claim. Yes

Answer 5

> science proves the miracles to be impossible, therefore no meaning> sceptical age, if there is no proof, many would argue it didn’t happen.> miracles as psychological healings

Question 6

‘In a scientific age Jesus’ miracles have no meaning.’ Assess this claim. No

Answer 6

> The definition of a miracle, states that they go against science, therefor sit doesn’t matter if science can’t prove it, since thats no the point>Therefore Jesus’ miracles shows his power over the world- so have a meaning> Even if you don’t believe the miracles actually happened, they can be argued to be symbolic, and therefore still have a meaning. e.g. healing of legion, shows that we should have compassion for the rejected.