Kata Markon

[JFAlward AT aol.com]

Michael Abernathy writes,

"I have seen a similar set of parallels between the sea passages in the 
Odyssey and the stilling of the storm in Mark.  It just is not enough to find 
parallels because real parallels often exist between historical events or 
even between real life and literature."

Joseph Alward responds:

I believe the connection to Homer is vastly weaker than the one to Jonah.  
Furthermore, I believe that it *is* enough to find a parallel if the elements 
in the parallel are very distinctive, many in number, and if one can show 
that the author would have had contact with the alleged antecedent, and had a 
strong motivation to imitate it.  

In this case, we have virtually overwhelming evidence that Mark had contact 
with Jonah, since it was part of Scripture, which was used extensively by 
Mark in constructing his stories about Jesus.  

Thus, Mark knew his audience was familiar with the story of Jonah on the 
boat, and there can be no doubt that he would have known that the unique 
elements in his story (see appendix) would remind his readers of the 
identical ones in the Jonah story.  He didn't call their attention to these 
correspondences probably because he thought they would be obvious to any 
intelligent reader or hearer, and, too, he may have wished to let the 
audience have the satisfaction of making the connection on their own.  

Thus, the evidence seems undeniable:  Mark had the means and the opportunity 
to fabricate the story of Jesus on the boat.  His motivation?  He wanted his 
audience to realize that his "Jesus" could calm angry seas, just like the 
Lord.

Joseph F. Alward
"A Skeptical View of Christianity and the Bible"
http://members.aol.com/jalw/joseph_alward.html
--------------------------------------
Appendix:

There are five elements in the two stories that are not to be found anywhere 
else in literature or folklore:

1. A raging storm threatens a boat.
2. The hero is asleep on the boat.
3. The hero is awakened and criticized for his apparent lack of concern.
4. The storm is miraculously calmed.
5. The passengers fear the miracle-worker.