The Son of Man in the Old Testament
Abstract
“There is no other subject in the study of the New
Testament which is more central to the understanding of the
life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and which is at the
same time subject to more controversy than the "Son of Man".
Perhaps more of the work of biblical scholars has been expended
on this important topic than on any other one subject, and yet
there appears to be as much disagreement as ever on the essential meaning of and the history of the title.
It is this factor which provides the raison d’être for
yet another study of this well-worn topic. Though there is
at present no consensus among scholars on even certain basic
features of this enigmatic title, it is of course hoped that
continued research will ultimately yield answers to the problems which at present vex all who study the matter.
Undertaking the present study may be further justified
by the difference of approach it follows. The value of taking
an approach limited to a certain line of investigation has
been demonstrated by Morna Hooker, who limited her study of
the Son of Man to Mark's Gospel only. Another such approach
is that of Frederick Borsch who, following the History of
Religions school, explored the full gamut of Near Eastern
religious documents in an attempt to shed light on the N.T.
Son or Man.
It has been the approach of this study to examine
material closer to hand to the N.T. writers, the early church, and Jesus himself--the Old Testament (and related Jewish
apocryphal works). Though the influence of other factors
may have helped in the shaping of the Son of Man tradition,
the use of the O.T. and its profound influence would seem
certain.” – from the Introduction.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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