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Lately, I have been occupied with the Jewish position…

“Lately, I have been occupied with the Jewish position, which reproaches the New Testament writers with vigor for having falsely interpreted the Old Testament. I find that your theory is essential in finding a valid response to this criticism. If one considers the Old Testament as a mixture of…” quote by Scott Cowdell
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““Lately, I have been occupied with the Jewish position, which reproaches the New Testament writers with vigor for having falsely interpreted the Old Testament. I find that your theory is essential in finding a valid response to this criticism. If one considers the Old Testament as a mixture of sacrality [sacralité] and revelation, an argument with the letter of the OT becomes impossible. I think that the Jewish point of view does not take seriously enough the “contradictions” within the OT””

Scott Cowdell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that Jewish criticism of the New Testament stems from treating the Old Testament as a single, literal text, ignoring its dual nature of sacredness and revelation, which makes literal contradictions appear.

In simple terms: Jewish critique sees contradictions because they read the Old Testament as one literal text.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the Old Testament’s layered nature to address criticism.

Themes

theology interpretation interfaith dialogue

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

theoretical interfaith

When to use this quote

  • academic seminars
  • interfaith study groups
  • theological debates
  • scriptural teaching

Key Concepts

sacrality revelation hermeneutics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does viewing scripture as layered affect faith practice?
  • Can interfaith dialogue bridge differing hermeneutical approaches?
A Different Perspective

The argument may overlook that many Christians also view the Old Testament as layered, so the critique is not unique to Jews.

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