I agree with you when you write:
Jesus did not 'compile' current ethical ideas. He is
ultimately the
SOURCE for ethical ideas, being a member of the
Godhead. He did not
synthesize current ethical theories, He laid the pure
foundation of
those theories. Jesus, although as a man was a member
of the culture of
His time, as God, He preceeded that culture and,
indeed, all cultures.
There seems to be a current of critical thought which
ascribes Jesus'
ministry as derivative of His culture and
circumstances, merely a
dramatic repackaging of exiting ideas. This tendency
forgets that He is
GOD ALMIGHTY in the flesh.
--What I tried to say is that modern scholars, i.e. some theologians, historians and others, most often conclude that Jesus was not an original teacher of neither religion nor ethics. I think, as you do, that he was. How could he be ? Being the son of God and God incarnate he was absolutely a unique, original and specifically extraordinary being.
I am not very familiar with American scholars in antiquity, but I know that most European (and Danish) scholars would state something like what I have stated above (that Jesus is not unique bla bla). I just sat in at a lecture in 'Antique culture', a course I attend this fall at Copenhagen University. The teacher, a distinguished scholar of the antique period, presented views like these mentioned on Jesus and early christianity. He said (quote): 'What you think about Jesus' teaching depends on your mentality (i.e. your religious mentality).'
Now, I dare say that it is possible to believe in the divinity of Jesus, and at the same time be scientifically responsible. After all, that was how theology started out.
So, we can live on in agreement, and continue the fight for a christian theology.
Bjoern.
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