Die etiek van Jesus in die lig van Q: Eskatologies of wysheidsteologies begrond?

Abstract

The ethics of Jesus in the light Q: Rooted in eschatology or sapiental theology?
Traditionally the sayings of Jesus with an ethical content were seen within the dialectics of ethics-eschatology. The imminent end, coupled with the unavoidable judgment, provides the grounds for the ethical call. The ethics of Jesus were regarded as a direct consequence of his eschatological message regarding the imminent kingdom of God This paper poses the question of whether this previous uncritical standpoint can be regarded as still valid today in the light of recent research on the hypothetical document Q. It has come to light that no sign of eschatological thinking can be found in the oldest and, therefore, most original layer of Q - indicating that Jesus probably did not think in an eschatological way. The question should be asked if another hypothesis is not to be sought - such as to regard Jesus radical ethical demands as a continuation of the Jewish sapiental tradition, but with the explicit intent to postulate an inclusive ethics. This paper’s aim is to hint in the direction of the latter, rather than to advocate it fully.