In this podcast episode, Jeramiah Giehl and Dennis MacDonald delve into their personal backgrounds and the origins of their interest in studying Christian origins.
MacDonald shares his research findings on the Gospels, revealing his discovery of classical Greek poetry imitations within them. He contends that the Gospels were crafted as works of historical fiction rather than straightforward historical records, drawing intriguing parallels between the adventures in Homer's epics and the Gospel narratives.
MacDonald articulates his argument for intentional literary imitation between the Gospels and Greek mythology, elucidating his seven criteria for mimesis and offering examples illustrating the parallels between the Gospels and Greek myth. Giehl raises questions about discerning historical from mythological elements in the Greek New Testament, exploring the possibility of redaction or invention in light of these similarities.
The conversation explores the contrasting perspectives on the New Testament—whether it leans more toward mythology or history—and delves into the growing body of scholarship investigating the influence of Greek poetry.
MacDonald emphasizes that his work doesn't approach the Gospels with hostility but seeks to enrich their meaning and diversity. Giehl expresses gratitude for MacDonald's insights and time. The dialogue encompasses various topics related to Gospel development, including the Gospel of Thomas, Papias, the Marcian Gospel, and the Hebrew Gospel.
In conclusion, they delve into the concept of the historical kernel of truth within the New Testament and stress the importance of grasping the creative energies of its authors.
Chapters & Topics - Chapter descriptions
0:06 Introduction and Background
4:35 Dennis MacDonald on his work and views on the Gospels
12:11 Influence of Greek mythology on the New Testament
12:54 Comparing Homeric Adventures to Gospel Stories
17:34 Criteria for Literary Imitation
23:11 The Role of Mythology in the Development of the Christian Narrative
31:34 The Q plus Papias Hypothesis
36:55 The Q document and its reconstruction
37:28 Gospel of Thomas, Papias, and Marcian Gospel
45:00 The role of Paul in the development of the Gospels
Paul and Torah Observance46:06
47:35 The reinterpretation of Torah observance in the early Christian community
52:13 Tensions between James and Paul in early Christianity
53:21 The Q Document and its Contents
57:52 Discussion on Gospel Scholarship and the Influence of Homeric Epic Imitations and Q Document
Key Questions
12:11 What evidence is there for the influence of Greek mythology on the New Testament?
39:58 How does the Q document fit into the development of the Gospels?
45:00 What was the relationship between Paul and the other Gospel authors?
Action Items
21:16 Further investigate the influence of Greek mythology on the New Testament.
34:26 Consider the role of Paul in the development of the Gospels and his relationship with other Gospel authors.
36:55 Read the Q document and explore its narrative framework and arguments.
47:35 Examine the reinterpretation of Torah observance in the early Christian community.
52:13 Explore the tensions between James and Paul in early Christianity.
