New Testament Theology(- ies ) & Non-Canonical Early Christian Literature

1. New Testament Theology(-ies) & Non-Canonical Early Christian Literature Catholic Bible Institute of Southern ArizonaDiocese of Tucson May 11, 2019 Felix Just, S.J. http://catholic-resources.org

2. Opening Prayer • Reading: Gospel of Nativity of Mary • Litany • Reading: Gospel of James • Song: Hail Mary

3. Announcements • Upcoming Pilgrimages • Austria & Germany: May 18-25, 2020 • Pauline Turkey: May 2021 • Holy Land: May 2022 • Dynamic Catholic Books • Donation: $3 each, or 2 for $5 • Last Orders of Fr. Just’s CD’s • I’ll mail them to you – no extra charge

4. CBISA – Year 2 – Old Testament • Instructor: Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher • Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University • Fall 2019: • Start Reading OT, esp. Torah (first five books) • Textbooks: • D. Smith-Christopher, The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice. Ave Maria Press, 2013. • Opt: J. Collins, Short Intro to the Hebrew Bible.

5. I) New Testament Theology/-ies • Brief Table-Group Discussions: • Is there a “main/overall message” in the N.T.? What is it? • Is there an overall message of the Whole Bible? • “The Bible says…” ? • Contest: The Bible in One Sentence?

6. What IS Theology? • Theos= God • pl. theioi= gods • Logos= ??? • Word, phrase, sentence, expression, speech, logic, thinking, study of… • John 1:1 • “In the beginning was the logos,and the logos was with theos,and the logos was theos.

7. Biblical Theology? • “Theology” of Bible/OT/NT as a whole? • Is there such a thing? • How to summarize it? • Key Ideas & Characters? • “SalvationHistory”? or “Revelation History”? • OT = “Covenant/Israel” & NT = “Gospel/Church” • OT = Abraham, Moses, David & NT = JESUS • Better Approach: Consider the variety of different “biblical theologies”!

8. Biblical Theologies! • There are slightly different “Theologies” in/of EACH biblical author or section: • OT: • Torah (J.E.P.D.):Jahwist; Elohist; Deuteronomistic; Priestly • Also Prophetic; Wisdom; Apocalyptic • NT: • Evangelists: Mark, Matthew, Luke, JOHN! • PAUL & other Apostles: enough evidence?

9. New Testament Theology Today • Older Approach: MODERN Believers • How does the NT inform OUR faith? • “Scripture is the soul of theology” • But avoid “proof-texting” • Newer Approach: ANCIENT Authors • Theology of each NT book/author • What are THEIR main issues? ideas? • Avoid: “The Bible says…” • Specify who/where in the Bible it says…

10. Categories of “Theology” • See HO (pp. 2-3 of today’s schedule handout) • Biblical, Moral, Liturgical, Foundational, etc. • Systematic Theology: • God / Trinity • Jesus / Christology • Spirit / Pneumatology • Church / Ecclesiology • Salvation / Soteriology • End Times / Eschatology • Sacramental Theology • Lots of other –ologies!

11. Four Main Sources of “Theology” • Scripture • Oldest Core Foundation • Tradition • What is “passed on” or “handed down” • Reason • Logic, Science, Study • Experience • What real people actually find in life

12. Four Main Modes/Expressions of “Theology” • Scripture • both OT & NT (two "canons") • Creeds(<Lat. credo = "I believe") • esp. Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed • Liturgy(Gk. leitourgia = "people's work") • "rites" or "services" • Doctrine, esp. core "dogmas" • (both <Lat. docere = "to teach") • WHO Decides? Individuals? Magisterium!

13. Principles of Catholic Theology • Development of Doctrine: • “The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New”(St. Augustine) • Older/biblical teachings are like seeds planted, which later grow and mature into full plants. • Noteverything in Christian theology is explicitin the Bible, but all must be based on the Bible. • E.g. Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit • E.g. Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, etc. (“do this…”) • E.g. Christian Leaders as Priests

14. Principles of Catholic Theology • Hierarchy of Truths: • Not all doctrines/teachings carry the same weight or require the same level of assent. • Distinguish: Bible, Creeds, Dogmas, Doctrines, Magisterial Teachings, Theological Opinions • Core truths vs. ancillary teachings;Unchangeable vs. changeable; Universal vs. particular; TRADITION vs. traditions.

15. Theologies of the Four Gospels • Mark • Christology? Discipleship? • Matthew • Christology? Discipleship? Ethics? Church? • Luke • Christology? Discipleship? Justice? Spirit? • John • Christology? Discipleship? Trinitarian Theo.?

16. Other N.T. Theologies • Paul • Deutero-Pauline • Hebrews • James • Peter • Revelation

17. Biblical “Theologies” • Systematic Categories: • God / Trinity • Jesus / Christology • Spirit / Pneumatology • Church / Ecclesiology • Salvation / Soteriology • End Times / Eschatology • Sacraments / Sacramentology • Lots of other –ologies – see HO, pg. 4 • Examples: FAITH (FJ’s CDs)or MERCY(see HO, pp. 5-6)

18. Group Discussions • How are Scripture/Bibleand Tradition and Theologyrelated to each other? • Which NT book(s) most influence your own “personal theology”?

19. Final Papers for Year 1: NT • Green HO this month: • TOPIC: What are the SEVEN (7) most significant things you learned about the N.T. over the past year, and how do these new insights affect your life and faith? • Think of truly important insights you gained this year, not just trivial facts about biblical history or content. • Try to think of seven different things, not just seven variations or examples of the same point. • For each of your seven points, not only briefly state WHAT you learned, but also explain HOW this insight truly affects your life and how you live your faith.

20. Final Papers for Year 1: NT • Format: • Please do NOT follow the four-part structure that we used for the monthly papers (literal, rhetorical, personal, communal). • Rather, simply explain your seven points in seven numbered paragraphs (1 to 7). • Include a compact heading (your name & table/group name). • Your paper should be typed, single-spaced, using normal-sized font (10-12 point), with one-inch margins all around. • Write about two or three (2-3) pages total; each of your seven points should require one or two paragraphs: more than just one sentence, but not a whole page each. • Due Date: • Please email your paper to your reader by May 25, 2019. • Your reader will then forward all papers from your table-group to both Sr. Lois Paha, OP, and Fr. Felix Just, SJ.

21. II) Early Christian Literature • Definitions of “Canon” (Bible: OT & NT) & Criteria for Canonicity • Definitions of “Non-canonical”; “Apocryphal”; “Patristic”; “Pre/Post-Nicene”; etc. • Ancient Jewish Writings: OT Apocrypha & Pseudepigrapha (HO, pg. 1) • Early Christian Writings: Apocryphal Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Apocalypses (HO, pg. 2) • Patristic Literature: Letters, Martyrdoms, Apologies, Sermons, etc. (HO, pg. 3) • Pre-Nicene Writings: Didaché, Epistles of St. Ignatius, Martyrdom of Polycarp (HO, pp. 8-10)

22. Definitions • “Canon” of the Bible • OT Canon • NT Canon • “Non-canonical” • Non-biblical; non-scriptural • “Apocryphal” • Also “Pseudepigraphical” • “Patristic” • “Early Christian” • “Pre-Nicene” / “Nicene” / “Post-Nicene” • Council of Nicea (AD 325)

23. Canonization of the NT • Long Process of Development: • writing, sharing, collecting, editing, translating, debating, interpreting the books/letters now in NT 1st Cent. – individual writings composed 2nd Cent. – writings collected (4 Gospels; Paul’s Letters) 4th Cent. – early canon lists • some with fewer than books: 2 Peter? Revelation? • some with more: Didache, Shepherd of Hermas, etc. • 367 – Easter Letter of St. Athanasius – first list of all 27 16th Cent. – Council of Trent • First "official" listing of all 46 OT & 27 NT books • In reaction to Protestants(esp. regarding OT Apocrypha)

24. End of Luke & Beginning of John

25. Canonization of the NT • Main Criteria for Inclusion: 1) Apostolic Origin – • attributed to and/or based on preaching/teaching of first-generation apostles (or their closest companions) 2) Universal Acceptance – • acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by end of 4th century) 3) Liturgical Use – • read publicly along with OT when early Christians gathered for Lord's Supper (weekly worship services) 4) Consistent Message – • containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. divinity & humanity Jesus)

26. Canonization of the NT • Reasons for Non-Inclusion in NT Canon(opposites of the four criteria): • Apostolic Origin? – written by later generations • Universal Acceptance? – rejected by some communities • Liturgical Use? – too esoteric, obscure, private • Consistent Theology? – present God/Jesus differently • Christology (Who is Jesus?): • Catholic:Both/And:Both HUMAN and DIVINE • Jewish or Adoptionist: Human, not really divine • Gnostic or Docetist: Divine, not really human

27. Literature Categories (HO, p. 1) • Ancient Jewish Writings (pg. 1): • OT Apocrypha, a.k.a. Deutero-canonical books • OT Pseudepigrapha • Dead Sea Scrolls • Philo of Alexandria • Flavius Josephus • Rabbinic Literature • Bibliography: in print & online

28. Literature Categories (HO, pp. 2-3) • Patristic Literature (pg. 3): • Letters, Martyrdoms, Apologies, Sermons, etc. • Usually sorted by AGE: Pre-Nicene / Post-Nicene • Earliest: Ignatius, Clement, Papias, Polycarp, Justin • More Early Christian Writings (pg. 2): • Apocryphal Gospels • Apocryphal Acts, Epistles, Apocalypses, etc. • Nag Hammadi Library (4th Cent. Coptic/Egypt)

29. Pre-Nicene Writings (HO, pp. 8-10) • Didaché • “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” • Epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch • Authentic Letters • Also more Pseudepigraphic Letters later • Martyrdom of Polycarp • Bishop of Smyrna (Turkey)

30. Table-Group Discussions What can we learn from these post-biblical early Christian texts? Why is it still important for us to read these today?

31. LUNCH! • Relax, Discuss, Nourish, Enjoy! • Please be back by 1:30

32. III) Intro to Apocryphal Books • There are MANY ancient Jewish or Christian writings not found in the OT or NT! • Have you read the entire text of… • …the Gospel of James? …of Peter? • …the Gospel of Thomas? (both?) • …the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)? …of Judas? – really? • …the Letter of Barnabas? …the Didache? • …the 1st Book of Enoch? …the Book of Jubilees? • Have you read ALL of the four NT Gospels? • The whole NT? The whole OT?

33. Introduction: Apocryphal Books • Should Catholic-Christians read these books? • Yes!(If you wish!) But for what purpose? • Historical knowledge: Jesus & apostles? – NO! • Historical knowledge: How early Christian beliefs developed in the first few centuries? – Yes! • Theological understanding: Our faith today? – – Only indirectly! (learning about anything helps us) • It's OK to read non-canonical books! • Some suppressed/neglected in past (dangerous?) • Widely available today; popular in some circles • Yet OT & NT are still much more important!

34. Important Definitions • "gospel" = "good news" = oral preaching • from Gk. Ευ̉αγγέλιον = Evangelion(cf. Eng. "Evangelist")eu = "good"; angelos = "messenger" • "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.' " (Mark 1:14-15; NRSV) • "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son…" (Romans 1:1-3; NRSV) • "But the birthday of the god (Caesar Augustus) was… the beginning of the good news for the world…" (Prien inscription)

35. Important Definitions (cont.) • "Gospel" = "written account about Jesus" • Mark was first to use "gospel" in this sense: • "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (Mark 1:1) • NT Gospel Titles(added in 2nd Cent.): • "Gospel according to Mark; Gospel according to…" • "Canon" • "Official List" of writings ("scriptures") considered foundational by some group: HB canon, NT canon… • Usually religious, but not only:e.g. Shakespearean canon

36. Important Definitions (cont.) • Four "Canonical Gospels" • Matthew, Mark, Luke, John • Dates: 1st century (60's – 90's) • Order? Mark probably first, then Matthew, Luke; John last • "Non-canonical Gospels" • Many other short books • mostly from 2nd to 4th cent. • about Jesus' life and/or his teachings • not all explicitly entitled “Gospel”

37. More Definitions • "Apocryphal" = "hidden, secret" • Cf. English "crypt," "cryptic" • MANY ancient Jewish or Christian books outside of HB or NT, overall called "Apocrypha" • Apocryphal Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Apocalypses • Not "canonical"; i.e., not in anyone's Bible • Caution: Protestants refer to OT "Apocrypha": • Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Eccl., Baruch • Called "Deutero-canonical" by Catholics & Orthodox • Don't confuse with "Apocalyptic" • "Revelation"; lit. "uncovering, revealing, opening"

38. Important Definitions • "Pseudepigraphic" • Writings "falsely attributed" to famous figures of the past (esp. biblical, but not only) • Actual authors anonymous; written (much) later

39. Important Definitions • "Gnostic" • Religious systems related to Judaism & Christianity • Dualistic: good vs. evil; spirit vs. matter; M vs. F ! • Human life = "divine spark" trapped in mortal body • Salvation = freeing soul/spirit from its bodily prison,by attaining proper (secret/esoteric) "knowledge" of our divine origins & eternal destiny

40. III) Non-canonical Gospels • We know of at least 30 "Gospels" not in NT • many different origins, styles, theologies • some positively influenced Church tradition • others rejected as "Gnostic" and/or "heretical" • some texts complete, others badly damaged/ fragmentary, others known only by title!

41. III) Non-canonical Gospels (See the bibliography, on back of the handout.)

42. III) Non-canonical Gospels • Some of the most famous or influential: • Gospel of James:mid-2nd Cent. • mainly about Mary (of Nazareth) as the mother of Israel's salvation • Gospel of Peter:late 2nd Cent. (discovered 1886) • earliest non-canonical narrative account of Jesus' passion & resurrection • Infancy Gospel of Thomas:late 2nd Cent. • strange & miraculous events from Jesus' childhood,from ages 5 to 12 • Sayings Gospel of Thomas:2nd – 3rd Cent. • (more below)

43. III) Non-canonical Gospels • Nag Hammadi Library: • Over 50 texts in 13 codices, Coptic, mostly gnostic, discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt • Gospel of Thomas: • Orig. 2nd – 3rd Cent.; some old fragments in Greek;Collection of 114 short sayings & teachings of Jesus • Gospel of the Egyptians • Gospel of Philip • Gospel of Truth • Many other books, including various Acts, Dialogues, Treatises, Apocalypses, etc.

44. Nag Hammadi Codices

45. Nag Hammadi – Codex IV

47. III) Non-canonical Gospels • More recent texts: • Secret Gospel of Mark(1958, Morton Smith) – forgery? • Gospel acc. to Peanuts(1965, Robert L. Short) • Gospel acc. to the Simpsons(2001/2007, Mark I. Pinsky)"Bigger and Possibly Even Better! Edition: With a New Afterword Exploring South Park, Family Guy, and Other Animated TV Shows" • Gospel acc. to Harry Potter(2002, Connie Neal)"Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker" • Gospel acc. to Doctor Seuss(2004, James Kemp) • Gospel acc. to Martha(2000, Barbara Murphy)

48. III) Non-canonical Gospels • "Are you serious?"(I hear you cry!) • How are these modern texts related tothe ancient Apocryphal Gospels? • Similarities: they are mostly authors’ attemptsto understand the teachings or meaning of Jesus, or, more broadly, of other spiritual themes • Differences: most modern texts are not forgeries; modern authors' names are known

49. Excerpts: Gospel of James (mid-2nd Cent.; Engl. trans. Andrew Bernhard) Chap. 1: In the histories of the twelve tribes of Israel, Joachim was an extremely rich man . . . As the great day of the Lord was drawing near and the children of Israel were bringing their offerings, however, Reubel stood in his way, saying, "You cannot offer your gifts first because you have not conceived a child in Israel." . . . Then, Joachim was extremely frustrated and did not appear to his wife, but gave himself to the desert and pitched his tent there. He fasted forty days and forty nights. All the while, Joachim was saying to himself, "I will not go down for food or drink until the Lord my God visits me; prayer will be my food and drink."

50. Excerpts: Gospel of James Ch. 2: Then, his wife Anna mourned and lamented greatly for two reasons, saying, "I lament that I am a widow and I lament that I am childless."…she petitioned the Lord, saying, "God of my ancestors, bless me and hear my prayer, just as you blessed our mother Sarah and gave her son Isaac to her." Ch. 4: Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood in front of her, saying, "Anna, Anna, the Lord God has heard your prayer. You will conceive and give birth and your child will be spoken of everywhere people live." And Anna said, "As the Lord God lives, whether I give birth to either a male or a female child, I will bring it as an offering to the Lord my God and it will be a servant to him all the days of its life."