BTW, I have problems with JEDP, but haven’t seen a convincing alternative source theory for the Pentateuch and I work with the “don’t give up one answer until you have a better” approach. Goodacre and others show that Q can be dispensed with, but it still makes good sense. It is easier to posit a Q than not–but I am VERY skeptical of the multiple layers of Q approach of Kloppenberg and others! It is possible that the source we call Q is really simply a circulating group of oral traditions, though the discovery of Thomas made a written source more likely if only because it showed that sayings documents without much narrative were composed in ancient times. (Not that I hold that much in Thomas goes back to Jesus!)

I am librul enuff to question received orthodoxies of both traditionalists and liberal scholars, but I am conservative in method–i.e., cautious in coming to radically new conclusions–including new source conclusions.

I mentioned this on line to a Lutheran-Pastor-to-be [of another stripe] and he seemed appalled that we didn’t have a pastor leading or “teaching” the group. Like, “how is that even possible?” Well, we do have resources. And we apply the lessons to our lives. That can’t come from a lecturn.

But actually, the last three pastors did often sit in with the group if he/she has been in the building. Pastors can add depth to the information!