Table of Content

以社會學角度看馬可福音中的耶穌的佈道運動

(Jesus' Ministry according to Gospel Mark in light of sociological theories)

Acknowledgements

Introduction

• A. The Aim and Scope of this Study
• B. Methodology and Theses used
  • 1. Methodology used
  • 2. Theses used
• Conclusion : my hypotheses

I. Jesus' Ministry in the Gospel of Mark

• A. The Problem of Two Levels: the Historicity and the Markan Story-telling
• B. Observations on Jesus' Ministry in Mark
  • 1. Markan Literary Devices:
  • 2. The Markan Description --- The Growing process of Jesus' Ministry
  • 3. Some Observations

• a. Place: Jesus started from Galilee and emphasized villages, rather than towns.
• b. Plan: Jesus seems to react according to the needs and leading of God the Father at that time, rather than using a pre-determined plan.
• c. His authority : related and similar to John; spiritual power.
• d. His supporters and opponents:
• e. The religious issues at stake: spiritual authority and true holiness.

Conclusion

II. Application of Sociological Theory

            A. The Choice of Theory: 4 possible theories

• 1. Karl Marx's Theory: Class conflict
• 2. Chalmer's Johnson's Theory: Revolution as disequilibrim
• 3. James Davies' theory: Relative deprivation
• 4. N. Smelser's theory: Collective behavior- Contingency Theory:

B. Application of the theory and results

1. Introduction

2. Discussion of N. Smelser's Theory: six elements

• a. Structural conduciveness
• b. Structural strain
• c. Growth and spread of a generalized belief
• d. Precipitating factors
• e. Mobilization for action
• f. Social control

                     

Conclusion

•             A. Findings ignored by the theory in comparison with Mark
  • 1. The strategy of the leader.
    • a. Choosing some special groups of people who are responsive: John's disciples and sinners and the sick in the villagers.
    • b. The chosen place of starting: Galilee and villages.
    • c. The political tact and tones used: low key on political matters.
    • d. Jesus trained his disciples before his death: training for future leaders.
  • 2. The charisma and spiritual power of the leader.
•             B. Tentative modified theory.