2007-12-23 14:10:56 · 34 answers · asked by lindsey p 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
because it's history!
2007-12-23 14:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I only read the old testament in light of the Talmud. The old testament is the law, but ONLY the Talmud will explain how the law's to be applied.
Eg. old testament says to keep the sabath holy, but most christians have no idea what this ever entailed. It also says 'eye for an eye' in the bible, but no explanation that it means monetary compensation under 5 different heads of damages.
So most Christians come up with their own interpretation with no idea how it was meant to be. If I were them, I'd either not read the OT at all, or study it with the Talmud. Why only learn half way?
2007-12-23 14:21:07 · answer #2 · answered by grassfell 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because the law's served its purpose doesn't mean it doesn't have its historical value. The New Testament is entirely based on what happens throughout the Old Testament - its like saying that you shouldn't read the 1st Harry Potter book and skip straight to the last one because the first one isn't relevant anymore. Well, you kinda have to have an understanding of the first to get a good understanding of the rest.
2007-12-23 14:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by d_and_n5000 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Old Testament in a sense, has never been applicable. When man was given the Law, it wasn't so he could be right with God, it was to see that he wasn't right with God, and needed grace. (Unfortunately this concept is still beyond many people who think they can be "good enough" to be accepted by God.)
In another sense, the OT is quite applicable because it reveals the character of God. It shows His holiness, His utter hatred of sin, that He does punish sin (and sinners), His mercy, His patience, His provision, you name it. And those who think that these things don't apply to Jesus need to read the NT again...
2007-12-23 14:40:04 · answer #4 · answered by San Diego Christian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Old Testament is of interest only as a historical document (there's a lot of extremely biased views of history in it that, incidentally demonstrates the falsehood of the modern Jewish claims to Palestine and Syria) and as an example of how scriptures can get edited and reedited to fit people's needs when the word of God is forgotten. It's also interesting to see how far from it those religions have strayed.
Both it and the New Testament are clearly the writings of men and not the word of God.
2007-12-23 14:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by Amina A 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Who told you that the Old Testament, also known as the Tenakh isn't applicable anymore?
This is not what Jesus Taught. So therefore if Jesus didn't teach it and none of the Apostles taught it, who told you that the Old Testament had been done away with?
2007-12-23 14:16:59 · answer #6 · answered by Pastor In Kentucky 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It certainly isn't a waste of time. In the OT God gives us the details of hundreds of years in history that point to the birth of Christ. For starters, it is amazing to read the literally hundreds of prophesies from the OT and see them fulfilled in the NT. That in itself is very faith-building to me. Also, reading the OT, particularly the tendencies of the Israelites to turn away from and back to God repeatedly, helps me to understand more about human nature and why we need a savior. Finally, Jesus refers to the OT a lot. He even says in Matthew 5:17 (New International Version): 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. This is just a short answer that doesn't do this question justice. There really isn't a short answer to this question. But, it is not a waste of time, and there is application to today.
2007-12-23 14:28:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many reasons! 1) because we want to! 2) Because there is NO New testament w/out the old. 3) Because it is a LOT of prophesy. 4) Because it helps you understand the new testament.
2007-12-23 14:23:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is relevant because it is Jehovah God's revelation about Himself and His dealings with mankind. The Old Testament (First Covenant) is about His Law and relationship with Israel, the New Testament (New Covenant) is about His Grace and relationship with any who would come to Him. Its applicable because it is everything you need to know about the living God, Jehovah...and how to come to Him. He dwells in unapproachable Light, but He made a way for all those whom He calls to enter into a loving, holy relationship with Him. Christmas is the story about the Gift He offers.
2007-12-23 14:27:30 · answer #9 · answered by novalee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because you can't have the New Testament without the Old Testament.
2007-12-23 14:13:25 · answer #10 · answered by favoritefood0 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes to gain better revelation of a subject, its good to look at similitudes and shadows. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that the Old Testament is a shadow of God's plan.
2007-12-23 14:23:07 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋