Saudi Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (SJHSS)
Volume-2 | Issue-10 | 909-919
Original Research Article
Towards a Pastoral Approach for the Synoptic Problem: Re-reading of the Gadarene Demoniac Story with Selected Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Musoma Town Tanzania “Work forming part of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Religious Studies of Kenyatta University”
Alexander Mwita
Published : Oct. 30, 2017
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a Pastoral approach for the
Synoptic Problem, a simplified approach of studying the Synoptic Gospels with
Church members. This study was done in Musoma town Tanzania to help Seventhday Adventist (SDA) members harmonize between their belief on trustworthiness of
the word of God and the differences and similarities which emerge in the story of
Gadarene demoniac in the Synoptic Gospel. The research design employed
qualitative approach. The researcher used contextual Bible Study theory to re-read
the Gadarene demoniac story whereby interviews and focus group discussions
followed thereafter. 368 church members were divided to 46 Focus Groups
Discussions with 8 members per each group, four Pastors were put in one session of
Focus Group Discussion and four church leaders were interviewed separately in
their offices. The researcher did a Biblical exegesis for the linkage of SDA church
belief and Biblical context. Research finding revealed that, SDA church in Musoma
believes that writers who had different education, background and personality were
inspired with thoughts were led to compose their canonical gospels focusing on the
need of their audiences. The writing process made them focus on specific issues
which in turn affected their style, form, rhythm, occurrences, inclusion and
vocabulary of each presenter and finally differences and similarities came upon their
canonical gospels. Further study of the pastoral approach for the Synoptic Problem
in the scope of other denominations and relationship between inspiration and the free
use of intellectual knowledge of Biblical authors are recommended.