The Book Of Mark: An Essay For Humanities Courses That Treat The Bible As A Historical Document

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to make them
more "Christian." This really changes the meaning more than any other
tactic! Who knows what Mark may have edited-out to accomplish what he
wanted to impress upon his readers? In this, he tries to interpret the
meaning of Jesus' actions ... and does this in a misleading way. For
example: Mark 2:19, Jesus regarding Fasting. Jesus makes a strong
statement against importance to fasting, but Mark (in 2:20) tags on:

"But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away
from them, and they will fast in those days."

This blatantly shows that Mark held higher regard for the Old
Traditions of Fasting rather than Jesus' new teachings! This is also an
example of "Christianizing Jesus" according to traditions that have
already earned respect from Jews in their tradition. (Wow, this is
starting to sound like a fight between Today's Political Parties, isn't
it? [Jesus = Liberal Politics / Judaism = Conservative Politics]).
Finally, Mark ...

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obviously written by Mark and not said by Jesus, shows the
urgency in which Mark expected the parousia:

"Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass
away till all these things take place."

You can easily see why the other evangelists, Matthew, Luke & John,
re-wrote Mark's apocalyptic writing to be more of a "Sacred Time," and
less definite.
Mark used a common tactic of quoting scripture (especially Dan,
Isa, Mic & some Psalms) for his apocalyptic writing. We also saw this in
Paul's letters years before. People regarded scripture as fact, therefore
a perfect tool to give credit to Mark's & Paul's new writing!
Our own culture today ...

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