Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Ernest L. Abel. "The Psychology of Memory and Rumor Transmission and Their Bearing on Theories of Oral Transmission in Early Christianity." Journal of Religion, 51:270-81.

Since the earliest Christian traditions existed in oral forms, the principles of oral transmission must be considered in any determination of authenticity of New Testament materials. Notes that oral transmission tends to eliminate original details but preserves general outlines, a fact undermining many of the conclusions of Bultmann (e.g. 1957) and the Form Critics. Contends that repetition and mnemonic devices are indications of authenticity.
Area: BI