Philosophers and Mythicism

[Stephan Huller]

The standard way of looking at Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria (and Ammonius Saccas for that matter) are that they represent a later 'high brow' corruption of Christianity. If, however, the gospel was developed as myth then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of the earliest Christians rather than its corruption. We cut out the so-called 'primitive Church' completely, n'est ce pas? The idea of primitive fisherman and rustic types is merely part of the 'myth.'

[GakuseiDon]

If, however, the gospel was developed as myth then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of the earliest Christians rather than its corruption. We cut out the so-called 'primitive Church' completely, n'est ce pas? The idea of primitive fisherman and rustic types is merely part of the 'myth.'

I don't understand your point here. If the gospels were developed as myths (or fiction) and only became viewed as historical later, then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of its corruption, since they see the gospels as being historical texts, even if they contain allegory. So Gospels as myth > Gospels as historical > Justin and Clement's views of historical Gospels.

[Leucius Charinus]

Which Ammonius?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonius_Saccas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonius_o ... Christian)

• Ammonius of Alexandria (Greek: Ἀμμώνιος) was a Christian philosopher who lived in the 3rd century. He is not to be confused with Ammonius Saccas, the Neoplatonist philosopher, also from Alexandria.
  
  Eusebius, who is followed by Jerome, asserted that Ammonius was born a Christian, and remained faithful to Christianity throughout his life. He wrote that Ammonius produced several scholarly works, most notably The Harmony of Moses and Jesus.[1] Eusebius also wrote that Ammonius composed a synopsis of the four canonical gospels, traditionally assumed to be the Ammonian Sections, now known as the Eusebian Canons.[2]
  
  Eusebius attacks Porphyry for saying that Ammonius apostatized early in his life and left no writings behind him, but Eusebius was presumably confusing Ammonius with the Neoplatonist of the same name.
  
  Ammonius developed the forerunner of modern gospel harmony as the Ammonian Sections in which he started with the text of Matthew and copied along parallel events.[3] However there are no extant copies of the harmony of Ammonius and it is only known from a single reference in the letter of Eusebius to Carpianus.[3]

LC

[Clive]

I see high christology as being there right from the beginning which means a special sort of angel who is equal with god and actually made the universe come into existence. It does say all this in the new testament, stuff like the trinity are really logical summaries of what is already there.

[Clive]

Who invented the idea of a primitive church? When, where, why? Is it an adaptation of evolutionary thinking?

[MrMacSon]

If, however, the gospel was developed as myth then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of the earliest Christians rather than its corruption. We cut out the so-called 'primitive Church' completely, n'est ce pas? The idea of primitive fisherman and rustic types is merely part of the 'myth.'

I don't understand your point here. If the gospels were developed as myths (or fiction) and only became viewed as historical later, then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of its corruption ...

I agree.

Though they may have been more significant perpetuators of the myth than previous contributors.

[Peter Kirby]

I'm going to pull an outhouse and ask if anybody's done more than paint a few brush strokes here. You know, to hang some meat on the bones of the explanation. It sounds really interesting, but it'd be nice if there was more.

One thing the academy likes in NT studies, I've noticed, is sheer volume of literature devoted to an idea.

[Sheshbazzar]

Old Shesbazzar will tell you the NT texts were composed as myth, a planned and executed Jewish political/religious propaganda ploy, addressing an age-old ethical conflict.
A veritable 'red thread' stretching straight and tight from the beginning of Genesis through the end of Revelations.

'Historical' Jesus' quests are looking in all the wrong places, for all the wrong things. ...while the Trojan HORSE, 'ha'SOOCE', fashioned by clever Hebrews is within their gates.

Three million, six hundred twenty eight thousand, eight hundred 'small things' you do not as yet perceive, account, nor appreciate, on your right hand and on your left.
But of a certainty, a mystery that time, times, and a half of time will reveal.
Yet a little while, And your understanding WILL be opened, and all men of all the nations WILL come to understand these matters. Perfectly.


Sheshbazzar

[PhilosopherJay]

Hi Stephan Huller,

This is an interesting hypothesis. Please continue.

Warmly,

Jay Raskin

The standard way of looking at Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria (and Ammonius Saccas for that matter) are that they represent a later 'high brow' corruption of Christianity. If, however, the gospel was developed as myth then Justin and Clement represent a continuation of the earliest Christians rather than its corruption. We cut out the so-called 'primitive Church' completely, n'est ce pas? The idea of primitive fisherman and rustic types is merely part of the 'myth.'

[Sheshbazzar]

Not just myth. A myth carefully planned and constructed so as accomplish a specific set of goals that could not be achieved in any other way.

Soferim had well learned through composition of the Tanakh texts, the incredible power of myth and pen.
Well exercised and versed, trusting that the power of their pens was mightier than any sword that could ever be forged,
they set their minds and pens to the task of penning the greatest STORY ever told, The stunning world shaking and glorious END of which is yet to be revealed.

Should I tell you the secrets things yet to be revealed? No,...and you wouldn't, couldn't believe, nor accept my report anyway.

Better to just let you experience and see for yourselves what so long ago was set in motion with the mighty sword of the pen, is played out to its end.
There WILL be rejoicing when the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel is seen. and a high five.

Do enjoy the show folks!

Sheshbazzar