Christian Beginnings, wendnesday April 17
Rex Hoffman

"The delayed Parousia"
(2nd comming)

Liberal views:
sees differences between:
Mark, with an emphasis on immanent comming of God's kingdom, and John, Emphasis on here and now.

-- Change over time from 2nd comming to eternal life.

Mark 10:45 - Atonemwnt (payment for sins)

Parable of strongman = Ideal for delivering people.

John 3:16 - God's son giving his life for us to have eternal life.

Conservative view: Books were written to different audiences, and for different purposes.

Liberal view: It is seen that Jesus is not comming back as expected so the focus is shifted. This is the move from the ideas of mark to those of john.

View of Paul: Was not close to the source and really only had a vision.

Jewish sect turns into stand alone gentile religion.

Jesus's enemies transform from pharasee's to jews as a whole.

Revelations: Debate on whiether it is written by the same John as wrote the gospel of John due to differences in writing style.

Craig argues:
1- Jesus rose from the dead, and it is the best explanation of the historical evidence.
2- If this is not a fact then nothing can be salvaged.

Liberal view: What about moral ethical teachings?

Conservative view: Does morality matter with no God?

Liberal view: Maybe God exists but christianity is false although some teachings are true.

To be continued......