Ten Reasons to Question Q Flashcards
What is the “Q” source, and why is it questioned?
“Q” is a hypothetical source believed to contain Jesus’ sayings used by Matthew and Luke, but there is no manuscript evidence of its existence.
Has any ancient author referenced the “Q” document?
No, there is no reference to “Q” in ancient literature, and it is absent from early Christian writings.
How does the narrative sequence in “Q” challenge its classification as a “Sayings Gospel”?
“Q” has a narrative sequence that outlines Jesus’ ministry, resembling narrative Gospels rather than a simple collection of sayings.
How does Occam’s Razor apply to the “Q” hypothesis?
According to Occam’s Razor, entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily, suggesting that Luke’s use of Matthew might be a simpler explanation than the existence of “Q.”
What are “Major Agreements” between Matthew and Luke against Mark, and why do they matter?
Major agreements, like the pairing of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and The Leaven, suggest that Luke used Matthew directly, challenging the need for “Q.”
What are “Minor Agreements” between Matthew and Luke against Mark, and what do they imply about “Q”?
Minor agreements, such as shared phrases or spellings, suggest that Matthew and Luke used each other, questioning the independence required for the “Q” hypothesis.
What is a key example of a Minor Agreement between Matthew and Luke in the Passion Narrative?
Both Matthew and Luke share the phrase “Who is the one who smote you?” in the Passion account, a unique phrase not found in Mark.
How does the phenomenon of “fatigue” challenge the “Q” hypothesis?
Fatigue shows evidence of Luke copying and slightly altering Matthew, only to revert back to Matthew’s wording, implying Luke used Matthew rather than “Q.”
How did early scholarship’s “scissors-and-paste” approach affect the creation of “Q”?
Scholars previously explained synoptic similarities by hypothesizing multiple sources (M, L, Q), but this approach is increasingly seen as outdated.
Why does “Q” obscure appreciation for Luke’s literary ability?
Belief in “Q” underestimates Luke’s creativity and compositional skills, as he may have thoughtfully reorganized material from Matthew instead of following “Q.”
