File:1994 Neusner.jpg

{en} Jacob Neusner. Rabbinic Literature and the New Testament: What We Cannot Show, We Do Not Know. Valley Forge, PA : Trinity Press International, 1994

Abstract

"Here is a sustained criticism of the "rather facile use" of rabbinic literature by New Testament scholarship. In particular, Neusner addresses the writings of Helmut Koester, Samuel Sandmel, Reginald Fuller, Harvey Falk, Geza Vermes, E.P. Sanders, S.J.D. Cohen, Morton Smith, John P. Meier, and Brad H. Young. The book begins with a study of the characteristics of rabbinic literature and a demonstration of why this literature cannot be easily used for the kind of history New Testament scholarship proposes to produce. Then follow critiques of the writings by various New Testament scholars and the differences between Professor Neusner and his critics. A concluding section pays tribute to the New Testament field for all it has taught the author."--

Contents

Introduction: What Do I Have to Know about Rabbinic Literature to Study the New Testament? -- pt. 1. The Character of Rabbinic Literature. 1. The Gospels and the Mishnah, the Church Fathers and the Talmud: If Christianity Were Written Down by Rabbis ... 2. Documents Matter: The Case of Comparative Midrash. 3. Sages Made Up Sayings and Stories -- pt. 2. How Rabbinic Literature Is Presently Used for Historical Purposes. 4. If We Cannot Show It: Pseudo-orthodoxy and Pseudocriticism. 5. We Do Not Know It: Citing Sayings and Identifying Ecce Homo. 6. The "Judaism" of E.P. Sanders. 7. What We Ask Exposes How We Conceive Our Sources -- pt. 3. Differences of Opinion on How Rabbinic Literature Should Be Used for Historical Purposes. 8. The Mishnah and the Smudgepots: A Symposium on The Mishnah and the Smudgepots -- pt. 4. What We Can Show and What We Want to Know. 9. Who Needs "the Historical Jesus"? -- Appendix: Jesus' Parables -- Their Judaic "Roots"?

External links