Thank you for the question on the relevance of the Gospel of Mark with the secular American culture: “How does the Gospel of Mark resonate with secular American culture?”
Of the Four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark will resonate more with the secular American culture than any of the other three gospels.
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
- The secular American culture do not believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. It is not “scientifically possible. The absence of the birth of Jesus makes it more acceptable for them.
- The secular American culture do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus. The American culture believes that death is the end of life. Since the Gospel of Mark doesn’t record fully the resurrection of Jesus, this Gospel is more believable.
- The secular American culture do not believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Mark does not emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ. The reading of this Gospel will be less controversial for them.
- The secular American culture views Jesus as a “good, moral teacher.” The Gospel of Mark shows the works of Jesus. They would interpret his life as a good social worker. They can appreciate the goodness of Jesus.
- The secular American culture can appreciate a condense version of Jesus without getting into the details of life of Jesus. It the shortest Gospel and the easiest reading.
- The secular American culture may cause the reader to wonder about the reason for the crucifixion of Jesus. It may arouse their curiosity of the Christian faith.
As one reads the Gospel of Mark, it raises more questions for the reader than give answers to him or her. It’s a letter filled with activities of Jesus with few words being recorded. It’s a life of action. One can’t escape wondering the thought, “Why would the Jews kill a good man?”
Summary: The Gospel of Mark relates well to the secular American mindset and cultural thinking.
-Kingston