Method in Our Madness, and Madness in Their Methods. Some Approaches To the Son of Man Problem in Recent Scholarship

Abstract

A successful solution to the Son of Man problem requires the recon struction of sayings in the original Aramaic. Some sayings emerge as examples of an idiomatic use of general statements with particular reference to the speaker. Other sayings have been formed under the influence of Dan. 7.13. The number of these has been exaggerated by scholars who have not worked with Aramaic originals. This has seri ous consequences for appreciation of the possible referring power of bar nash(a), with exaggerated notions of what could be achieved by putting it in the definite state, or by use of a demonstrative not reflected in Gospel sayings. We should infer a core of genuine sayings conforming to Aramaic idiom, a secondary group influenced by Dan. 7.13, and a penumbra of sayings which develop further the church's known con cerns with the death and parousia of Jesus.