Introduction to a Public Theology of the New Testament: Markan Public Theology of the Sea of Galilee as a Test Case

Introduction to a Public Theology of the New Testament: Markan Public Theology of the Sea of Galilee as a Test Case

Sam TSANG

Very often, public theology is done in abstraction. Most of the formulations are philosophical and theological, but many have neglected the most basic element: “public” is a space. “Public theology” is theology done in a space, preferably real space and time. This study takes its clues not from popular public theology but from the lead of social geographers and anthropologists in seeing the potential theology that comes out of certain public spaces. Scholars in Mark have long noted the geographical structure of this Gospel, but not everyone sees the geography as a clue for public theology of the New Testament. This study takes seriously the location of the Sea of Galilee in order to see what kind of theology Jesus taught in that space. Undergirding this study is the conviction that real spaces have symbolic value. Spaces are created not only by city planners but also in the minds of readers. Mark's original readers would understand the symbolism of some of Mark's locations. In order to get into their world, modern interpreters should map out the symbols of these spaces so that when Jesus stood in those spaces doing what he did best, everyone would see what Jesus' action meant. This can be accomplished by consulting ancient authors about what certain locations meant. This study consults Josephus for such information due to the rich information Josephus provided . Galilee was a place of sporadic political unrest. Jesus ministered in such an area among such people. More important is the way Jesus conducted his ministry. This study uses the Sea of Galilee as the perfect illustration for public theology of the Markan Jesus. In Mark, the sea plays an important role in Jesus' ministry. Jesus creatively used the sea, whether it was by the seashore or in the boat, under calm condition or in stormy situations, to bring across his message. Whatever happened in the sea under different circumstances has theological significance. By looking at Jesus' words and actions in relation to the Sea of Galilee, this study sees the sea as the place where the kingdom ministry shows its radical nature. It also shows an extraordinary triumph of the kingdom. symbolic reading of public space does not negate the accuracy of Markan geography; it adds to it. The witnessing apostles, who traveled up and down the Judean area, ensured its accuracy. Such accuracy only adds to the concreteness of Markan public theology.