The Problems With Q
Although most scholars accept the Two Source Hypothesis (2SH), many are not entirely happy with it. The difficulty tends to center around Q. The 2SH explains the double tradition by postulating the existence of a lost "sayings of Jesus" document known as Q. It is this, rather than Marcan priority, which forms the distinctive feature of the 2SH as against rival theories.
While the 2SH remains the most popular explanation for the origins of the Synoptic Gospels, the existence of the "minor agreements" have raised concerns. These minor agreements are those points where Matthew and Luke agree against Mark (for example, the mocking question at the beating of Jesus, "Who is it that struck you?", found in both Matthew (26:67–68) and Luke (22:63–64) but not in Mark (14:65)). There are at about 700 "minor agreements" that call into question the proposition that Matthew and Luke knew Mark but not each other.
Other concerns that have been raised are how a major and respected source, used in two canonical gospels, could totally disappear and the fact that Q is never mentioned in any of the Church catalogs or by one scholar from the time of Christ to Jerome. Until these issues are resolved, Q will remain in doubt.
Read more about this topic: Synoptic Gospels
Famous quotes containing the word problems:
“I respect guilt. It is a dangerous but sometimes useful beast. The guilt that made me want to solve all my children’s problems meant trouble. The guilt that made me question my role in our mother-daughter squabbles proved helpful. Yes, I care about my kids’ problems, and I long to make suggestions. But these days I wait for children to ask for help, and I give it sparingly. Some things can’t be fixed, and I tell them so.”
—Susan Ferraro (20th century)