

Introduction to the Torah
17 snips Jul 10, 2023
Fr. Stephen De Young dives into the significance of the Torah, the foundation of the Old Testament. He explores its role in biblical narrative and prepares for a detailed study starting with Genesis. The complexities of translation, authorship, and interpretations are examined, including debates around Moses and the Documentary Hypothesis. The discussion also addresses historical context, anachronisms in scripture, and the evolving tradition of the Torah, illustrating how names and texts reflect greater themes of accessibility and understanding.
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Torah as Foundation
- The Torah, or Pentateuch, is the foundational unit of Hebrew scriptures, comprising five books.
- Other books gain scriptural status through their connection to the Torah.
Torah vs. Law
- Torah means "teaching" and encompasses a broader concept than just "law."
- The translation history from Hebrew "Torah" to Greek "nomos" to Latin "lex" narrowed its meaning.
Nomos: A Broader Meaning
- The Greek word nomos encompasses laws, customs, and way of life, similar to Torah.
- It refers to a people's entire cultural and societal norms, including religion.