Can this become a topic in the biblical criticism forum? For some time I've been reading books which cite the alleged criterion of multiple attestation [hencefoth MA] as a test of validity for NT material, usually stuff from the gospels. It is my observation that frequently the authors state that "Mark" was the first gospel, later copied significantly by "Matthew" and "Luke" and perhaps even "John", and then procede to ignore that and claim material in more than one equals the true words of JC according to the priciple of MA. Fairly standard operating procedure. But it did start me wondering exactly what, if anything, would meet the standard of MA as a criterion. Particularly as I am currently reading an interesting book on Paul and am curious to see if there is anything SPECIFIC [besides generalities such as "born according to the flesh"] that can be seen as being multiply attested by Paul and the author of "Mark". What is the current consensus on the question of the connection between Paul and "Mark"? It seems to me that "Mark" is aware of some material from Paul. For example, the existence of someone named Cephas, another named James, perhaps a third.
{Fixed spacings before/after periods and commas, added period at end. No other changes made. - Adminnemooseus}
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 06-26-2004 10:33 PM
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