Ethics of the Historical Jesus

RPH365

MWF 10:00-10:50

Paul Custodio Bube, Ph.D.

Fall, 2001

Office Hours: Alphin Hall 221

MWF: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

TTh: 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

or by appointment

Phone: 698-4351

E-mail: pcbube@lyon.edu

The Five Gospels edited by Funk, Hoover, and the Jesus Seminar

The Acts of Jesus edited by Funk and the Jesus Seminar

Recommended: An additional translation of the gospels, such as the HarperCollins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version

WWJD? "What Would Jesus Do?" was a question posed in a novel by preacher named Charles Sheldon back in the 1890’s, a time noted in the history of biblical studies as the height of the "quest of the historical Jesus." The question, "what would Jesus do?" has made a comeback in recent years, especially among young people in the United States. Interestingly, the quest of the historical Jesus has also made a comeback, although it is doubtful whether many of those Christians who sport a "WWJD" bumper sticker have read much of the modern historical quest. This course is an attempt to ask the WWJD—WWJS or "what would Jesus say?"—questions in light of modern historical scholarship about Jesus of Nazareth.. Although answers to these question seem obvious to many Christians, we will discover that it is not as easy to answer as one might think. Indeed, merely comparing several of the most popular movies about Jesus made in recent times indicates that there are a variety of views about what Jesus said and did; and a quick tour of the vast variety of Christian churches in America should remind us that Christians have not answered the questions unanimously.

As 20^th century people living in America, we have different tools for answering this question than Christians from the first century. Some of our tools may be better, some may be worse. For example, on the one hand, we have the benefit of the written gospels and hundreds of years of archeological and historical research to help us; on the other hand, we do not have living eyewitnesses around to ask our questions. These advantages and disadvantages will become apparent as we embark upon our quest.

To give clarity to our explorations, this course makes a careful distinction between the quest of the historical Jesus and the quest of the Christ of faith. As we will see, Christianity has always been primarily concerned with the Christ of faith, providing us today with a vast wealth of resources for this aspect of the quest. However, the quest for the historical Jesus is a relatively new concern in scholarship and has been quite controversial among lay Christians and scholars alike. Some Christians prefer to avoid controversial topics for fear that they disturb people’s faith. Others, myself included, believe that controversy is both unavoidable and provides a means to clarify and thereby strengthen faith. In some ways, it is like working out physically—it may involve some discomfort, even pain, but the final result is that we are healthier and stronger.

We will raise many difficult questions; some questions we may like, some we may not. But the ultimate purpose of this course is to see how these questions help us draw together faith and reason in ways that can deepen and enrich each other. Keep in mind, there are often differences of opinions about interpretation of the biblical texts and about the historical Jesus. Although we will focus primarily on a particular perspective, I hope that we would all respect each other’s perspectives where they differ. Even if I question a student’s views, I respect those views. We should all be open to having our perspectives questioned and challenged—that is not a lack of respect for differing views, but a means of trying to better understand others and, when done honestly, a way to pursue Truth.

As we begin this course, let me suggest a prayer, "For the Spirit of Truth," to guide all of us: