Gnostic-manipulationist response in Mark

Definition of gnostic-manipulationist response.

There is a significant amount of gnostic-manipulationist discourse in the Gospel of Mark (Robbins 1994d: 74-81). Not only does Jesus speak "in parables" (3:23; 4:2, 10, 13, 30, 33, 34; 7:17; 12:1, 12; 13:28) but "everything happens" in parables (4:11). In accord with this emphasis, parables and many significant events in Mark are puzzling, enigmatic, unclear, and mysterious. These emphases are characteristic of gnostic-manipulationist discourse. People must see and take heed, but true understanding is hidden (4:22) and not clear even to the inner circle of Jesus' followers (4:9, 12; 7:14; 8:17, 21). In the midst of thaumaturgical and revolutionist discourse, gnostic-manipulationist topics and emphases evoke a desire to become one of the "elect" who understand the "hidden, secret mystery" and are gathered by the Son of man into eternal life.

From V. K. Robbins, Exploring the Texture of Texts, (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1996), pp. 74-5.

For other examples from the Gospel of Mark, click here.

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