Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Awmte · 03-16-2006, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24
... If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 10:21
... and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:34
... Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23
... and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 14:27
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

These verses show Jesus referring to a metaphorical cross, but without any contextual background. The disciples and followers of Jesus would have no referents with which they could meaningfully understand these statements.

In fact, they would be pretty confusing unless one already knew the Passion story. So could this be used as evidence for redaction?

Amaleq13 · 03-16-2006, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awmte

These verses show Jesus referring to a metaphorical cross, but without any contextual background. The disciples and followers of Jesus would have no referents with which they could meaningfully understand these statements.

No, crucifixion was very familiar to anyone living under the domination of Rome and, IIUC, the "burden of the cross" was a common metaphor.

Buster Daily · 03-16-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amaleq13

No, crucifixion was very familiar to anyone living under the domination of Rome and, IIUC, the "burden of the cross" was a common metaphor.

In fact, if those quotes were included in a proto-Gospel or sayings document, I can envision the tradition of crucifixion as arising from the quote.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.