1st Edition
Resurrection Remembered A Memory Approach to Jesus’ Resurrection in First Corinthians
This book is the first major study to investigate Jesus’ resurrection using a memory approach. It develops the logic for and the methodology of a memory approach, including that there were about two decades between the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection and the recording of those events in First Corinthians. The memory of those events was frequently rehearsed, perhaps weekly.
The transmission of the oral tradition occurred in various ways, including the overlooked fourth model—“formal uncontrolled.” Consideration is given to an examination of the philosophy and psychology of memory (including past and new research on (1) the constructive nature of memory, (2) social memory, (3) transience, (4) memory distortion, (5) false memories, (6) the social contagion of memory, and (7) flashbulb memory). In addition, this is the first New Testament study to consider the insights for a memory approach from the philosophical considerations of (1) forgetting and (2) the theories of remembering and from the psychological studies on (1) memory conformity, (2) memory and age, and (3) the effects of health on memory. It is argued that Paul remembers Jesus as having been resurrected with a transformed physical body. Furthermore, the centrality of Jesus’ resurrection in Paul’s theology suggests it was a deeply embedded memory of primary importance to the social identity of the early Christian communities.
New Testament scholars and students will want to take note of how this work advances the discussion in historical Jesus studies. The broader Christian audience will also find the apologetic implications of interest.
1 Introduction 2 Memories of Jesus’ Resurrection In First Corinthians 3 Some Implications from Memory Theory for Understanding Jesus’ Resurrection 4 Conclusion. Appendix . Bibliography
Biography
David Graieg is a lecturer at Sheridan Institute for Higher Education, a sessional lecturer at Alphacrucis University College, an adjunct lecturer at East Asia School of Theology Singapore, and an academic sessional at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
“This is a well-researched, up-to-date application of memory studies to a critical issue in early Christian studies—the resurrection traditions in 1 Corinthians 15. The approach is new to me, and the arguments are well worth engaging. The concept of formal yet uncontrolled tradition commends itself.”
—Dale C. Allison, Jr., Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary
“The so-called “criteria of authenticity” have been used by general historians for more than a century while many historians of Jesus have used them for decades. However, not all historians of Jesus are sold on them and prefer a memory approach. Though not discounting the use of the criteria in historical Jesus research, David Graieg uses a memory approach to the question of whether the claims that Jesus had risen from the dead were based on actual memories of a historical event. He limits his focus on statements in 1 Corinthians and concludes the best explanation for them is that they are grounded in the memories of several individuals, including groups, who believed they had actually seen Jesus alive after his death. This is a fascinating study that breaks new ground. It is a must-read for those interested in current discussions on memory, oral tradition, historical Jesus research, and the resurrection of Jesus.”
—Michael R. Licona, Professor of New Testament Studies, Houston Christian University
“David Graieg’s work is at the cutting edge of recent research into Jesus' Resurrection. Few topics could be as widely impactful as the historical assessment of the credibility of the testimony to Jesus' Resurrection. By focusing on memory studies and employing 1 Corinthians 15 as a test case, Graieg has significantly advanced the conversation. This book will be a touchstone, deserving of a wide readership.”
—Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
"David Graieg does an outstanding service in showing how, in light of 1 Corinthians 15, the reality of the resurrection was buttressed by its remembrance. The memories of meeting the risen Jesus generated a tradition, that tradition was transmitted by recollection and rehearsal, and came to fruition in the creedal summary in 1 Cor 15:3-5. Graieg offers an exposition of the memory of the risen Lord and how it shaped the churches of Paul’s day."
—Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird (PhD University of Queensland), Deputy Principal at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia.
“For many scholars, memory studies has emerged as a key, more recent way to look at the complex issues tied to the New Testament, history, and the Christian tradition. With meticulous care, David Graieg has applied the various aspects of such study to one crucial text in 1 Corinthians 15. The results are both nuanced and eye-opening. I heartily commend this book as a must read.”
—Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement Hendricks Center, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies Dallas Theological Seminary
“This is a very important study on the reliability of the transmission of the earliest traditions concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is characterized by meticulous scholarship and rigorous analysis that brings together cutting-edge New Testament studies and psychological studies to address a topic that is of central importance to Christian communities. A must-read for anyone interested in the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus.”
—Andrew T. Loke, Associate Professor, Hong Kong Baptist University
“Did Jesus of Nazareth rise from the dead? Paul and the early Christians not only answer in the affirmative, but insist that this is the foundation stone of Christianity. David Graieg has made a valuable contribution to both Pauline and historical Jesus studies with this volume, applying a range of findings from research on human memory to the creedal affirmation contained in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8. This book is yet another fine example of the fruits of an interdisciplinary approach to New Testament studies.”
—Greg Forbes, Melbourne School of Theology
