Brauchbarkeit of the Q Hypothesis in Modern Source-Critical Studies

Abstract

Abstract:Source criticism speaks of that method employed by biblical scholars to get behind a particular biblical text in order to investigate what written material it may have been composed of. A study of the hypothetical Q source presents the opportunity to investigate what the composite material that formed those New Testament texts reflective only in Matthew and Luke was. Over times, the Q hypothesis, which is one of the hypotheses in the Mutual Dependence theory and the Two Document theory, came to a place of dominance in the comity of hypothetical theories that explain the Synoptic problem. However, recently, some scholars consider the Q hypothesis a theological instrument that has served its purpose and, therefore, is no longer useful and should be left behind. Others in modern source-critical studies regard it as overly complicated. This study is an attempt to reaffirm the Brauchbarkeit (usefulness) of Q even in the midst of these objections. Such usefulness includes, but is not limited to a lead to the multiplicity of the New Testament tradition and also the viewing of Jesus as wisdom teacher.