Catholic Answers Live #12449 Did Moses Write The Torah? | AMA: Catholicism w/@JimmyAkin - Jimmy Akin
Nov 7, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jimmy Akin, a senior apologist at Catholic Answers, tackles the authorship of the Torah, examining whether Moses wrote the first five books. He delves into self-flagellation, clarifying the Church's stance on penance and when it crosses into sin. Akin also explores the nuance of the Greek term Logizomai as found in Romans, addresses the consumption of hosts that may appear as flesh, and reassures listeners about the validity of the sacraments despite scandals in the Church.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mosaic Traditions,Not Strict Mosaic Authorship
- The Pentateuch contains traditions traceable to Moses but never claims he authored the final text.
- Internal indicators like perspective shifts and the account of Moses' death point to later redaction around David or Solomon.
Use Caution With Physical Penance
- Moderate bodily penance can aid spiritual discipline without constituting mutilation or sin.
- Avoid extreme or compulsive self-harm rooted in scrupulosity and seek help if practices become damaging.
"Logizomai" Allows Multiple Interpretations
- Romans 4's "logizomai" echoes Genesis 15 and allows multiple readings of 'reckoned as righteousness.'
- The Greek term alone cannot settle debates about forensic versus transformative justification.
