Comments on: Time to Study The Old Testament…Again – Part 2, The Books

By: Jeff Spector

Jeff Spector — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30:39 +0000

I like the idea of studying Jewish mythology or mysticism. As we know, there is usually some element of truth toward all mythology. I particularly like some elements of the Kabbalah. I am fascinated by the story of Lilith, Adam’s first wife, the first feminist.

By: Ulysseus

Ulysseus — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:38:24 +0000

I don’t mind using the text in relation to whatever doctrine someone might hold. I think contradictions and paradoxes create more insightful learning than regurgitation and reiteration.

And who is to judge whether the Jews have looked beyond the mark? From Talmudic scholars to Philip Roth, Saul Bellow and Issac Singer a cornucopia of Jewish mythology has sprung out of the Old Testament. I see no reason it can’t be as frutiful and multiplicative for the Mormon faith, but the same methodology would need to be applied (which is what I was saying should be done.)

By: Mike S

Mike S — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:28:38 +0000

Unfortunately, I think very little actual “study” of the Old Testament will actually occur next year. As Jeff alluded to, select verses will be taken from the Old Testament to essentially make “Old Testament” study largely integrated with current LDS teachings. Problematic sections (or books) will be combined with others into a single lesson and essentially ignored.

In my ideal world, we would spend several years actually studying the details of the Old Testament, including context from non-LDS sources. The purpose of Sunday School (or any of our Church meetings), however, is not necessarily scholarship, but reemphasizing the same things over and over. It makes it very tedious, but I suppose it has to be dropped to the least common denominator to also be worth something for new members. Additionally, we aren’t supposed to teach something just because it’s true, but only if it’s faith promoting.

By: Jeff Spector

Jeff Spector — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:25:59 +0000

Uysseus,

Are you saying we should study the Old Testament for what it says rather than we want it to say in relation to our doctrine?

If so, yes, that would be nice. Not that there is not much to be gained by it as a standalone set of texts. The Jews have done very well for themselves in some respects doing just that. In other respects, they may have looked beyound the mark.

By: Ulysseus

Ulysseus — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:41:48 +0000

“LDS are not uncomfortable with the idea of extra-biblical texts.” I think there needs to be a caveat to that statement that they aren’t uncomfortable with extra-biblical texts as far as they are translated correctly.

The incorrect translation/interpretation exception is a fundamental concept in maintaining bureaucratic control over doctrine.

I’m wondering if there is any room in Old Testament study within the Mormon religion to allow for considering the Old Testament as an immature, primitive tribal text. This flies in the face of doctrinal pronouncements regarding a cycle of revelation and apostacy and presents a particular problem in terms of polygamy discussions.

My difficulty comes not in your excellent post that contains an abundance of valuable information, but rather in the obvious exclusion of Old Testament precursors. Rather than the tortured fundamentalist approach to the Old Testament where the vengeful God is glossed over and the focus is diverted to how it was all about Jesus, wouldn’t Old Testament study be more valuable if the focus was on how these ancient myths resonate with the human condition, ala Joseph Campbell.

The Old Testament is the ancient Jew version of Star Wars and Fight Club. We humans haven’t changed that much.

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:29:30 +0000

Very educational, I have a lot to learn! Thanks Jeff.