Q for unbelievers

[headheart]

If there was no New Testament, and only one book of the Old Testament, which one would it be and why?

[Kane]

If there was no New Testament, and only one book of the Old Testament, which one would it be and why?

Which one would it be, and why?

What does this question even mean? What is the context for how we could determine which OT book it would be? Do we get to choose it? Are you asking us which one god would inspire into existence as his holy reference manual? How exactly are we supposed to determine any kind of answer to your question?

[Seasanctuary]

If blue were louder, how would it sound?

[lao tzu]

If blue were louder, how would it sound?

More blue.

[Jaecp]

It'd be less like a sasquatch, I know that much

[lao tzu]

What does this question even mean?

1. What's your favorite book in the Old Testament ... or ...
2. What book in the Old Testament contains the most essential doctrines of theism ... or ...
3. Eric's been bogarting again.

[element771]

If blue were louder, how would it sound?

dark blue

[showmeproof]

If there was no New Testament, and only one book of the Old Testament, which one would it be and why?

Deuteronomy because most of the religious reforms that led to monotheism occurred during Hezekiah and Josiah's reigns. The Book of the Covenant that inspired Josiah's reforms, founded by the high priest Hilkiah in the Temple, is largely agreed by scholars to be some form of Deuteronomy. It is not until this happens (cf 2 Kings 22:8) that all other gods are kicked out of Solomon's Temple (c.f. 2 Kings 23:4) However, I'd be more specific and say the final canonized form of Deuteronomy after the various additions had been added.

[Doug Shaver]

If there was no New Testament, and only one book of the Old Testament, which one would it be and why?

I'm an unbeliever, but I have no idea what the question means.

I can imagine alternate histories in which the books comprising the New Testament were never written. I can imagine, in some of those same alternate histories, only one book of the Old Testament having been written, but I would need a different alternate history for each book that it would have been.

And there are other alternate histories in which all the books of the Bible got written but nobody ever canonized any of them, or they canonized only one of them.

[headheart]

Deuteronomy because most of the religious reforms that led to monotheism occurred during Hezekiah and Josiah's reigns. The Book of the Covenant that inspired Josiah's reforms, founded by the high priest Hilkiah in the Temple, is largely agreed by scholars to be some form of Deuteronomy. It is not until this happens (cf 2 Kings 22:8) that all other gods are kicked out of Solomon's Temple (c.f. 2 Kings 23:4) However, I'd be more specific and say the final canonized form of Deuteronomy after the various additions had been added.

Did you do this from memory? I remember when I read it the first time, I was utterly amazed. If I remember correctly, the young King actually could not read it, and so it was read to him, and he was careful to follow it exactly,. though he failed in some way. I forget the details. I remember doing a bit of reading about it, at the time, and it was one of those grey areas. Thanks so much for giving more to this thread than I had originally conceived.

My original idea, was more like, if there was no New Testament, and only one Book of the Old Testament, which one would you want it to be and why? My humble apologies for the confusion, and for returning to this thread at such a late date. I hope this moves us along a bit.

However, I think this is a wonderful response to my flash flood figment of feeble fumblings.

Peace,
Eric J. Sawyer.

[showmeproof]

Did you do this from memory? I remember when I read it the first time, I was utterly amazed. If I remember correctly, the young King actually could not read it, and so it was read to him, and he was careful to follow it exactly,. though he failed in some way. I forget the details. I remember doing a bit of reading about it, and at the time, it was one of those grey areas. Thanks so much for giving more to this thread than I had originally conceived.

My original idea, was more like, if there was no New Testament, and only one Book of the Old Testament, which one would you want it to be and why? My humble apologies for the confusion, and for returning to this thread at such a late date. I hope this moves us along a bit.

However, I think this is a wonderful response to my flash flood figment of feeble fumblings.

Peace,
Eric J. Sawyer.

I've spent a great deal of time studying Israelite socio-politcal climate as a side-bar, but informative endeavor, in a inquiry on Israelite religions. So, yes this particular bit was from memory.

As for what book of the Hebrew Bible I would want it to be it would not be Deuteronomy (cf Deuteronomy 21:10-14 for instance). I would probably choose the composite of the Psalter. In these texts we find personal struggles with the way things are and the way things ought to be (from the writer's perspective) and an admission that events are often beyond one's control. In other words the Psalms are true to life, whether or not the theological claims are true.

[headheart]

I declare showmeproof to be the overall winner of this pop quiz. ...and I very seldom, if ever bogart'd a joint!

[headheart]

I've spent a great deal of time studying Israelite socio-politcal climate as a side-bar, but informative endeavor, in a inquiry on Israelite religions. So, yes this particular bit was from memory.

As for what book of the Hebrew Bible I would want it to be it would not be Deuteronomy (cf Deuteronomy 21:10-14 for instance). I would probably choose the composite of the Psalter. In these texts we find personal struggles with the way things are and the way things ought to be (from the writer's perspective) and an admission that events are often beyond one's control. In other words the Psalms are true to life, whether or not the theological claims are true.

Wow! I am impressed. I used to hate the Old Testament, and so I would snatch at it. I was a late arriver, so I had the benefit of some life experience when I started. I was also researching a particular topic, at the time, but as things go, I ended up being so moved and effected by what I read, that (I) became immersed in ...well, the main character. I cannot explain that part, but somehow it has a dynamic...I digress...I think you would have probably got on very well with CS Lewis...I read a tiny book of his about the Psalms, and it seemed to inspire him and bring out a lot of his own early research into so many things. I know the little book is not that popular, among evangelicals, but it was a fresh watering hole for me. I think you are so right about the Psalms. My first pastor, did a serious [series] entitled, 'Retaining a Godward Focus in Times of Trouble', and most of his primary texts were from there. The set of four lectures, are some of the finest Christian teaching I have ever listened to, and come from the heart of man in his 70's.
I appreciate your intensity about Deuteronomy, I have grown to appreciate it much, because of my association with those who enjoy it like treacle.
(though this is not my question, I would definitely have wanted it to be Isaiah , he just got deep under my skin and touched areas in my heart (the inner man) that I never new existed.) Enough, .........................your pearls were well deserved.

Peace,
Eric J. Sawyer

[yo lunch]

Did you do this from memory? I remember when I read it the first time, I was utterly amazed. If I remember correctly, the young King actually could not read it, and so it was read to him, and he was careful to follow it exactly,. though he failed in some way. I forget the details. I remember doing a bit of reading about it, at the time, and it was one of those grey areas. Thanks so much for giving more to this thread than I had originally conceived.

My original idea, was more like, if there was no New Testament, and only one Book of the Old Testament, which one would you want it to be and why? My humble apologies for the confusion, and for returning to this thread at such a late date. I hope this moves us along a bit.

However, I think this is a wonderful response to my flash flood figment of feeble fumblings.

Peace,
Eric J. Sawyer.

Ruth!

[Kia ora]

My original idea, was more like, if there was no New Testament, and only one Book of the Old Testament, which one would you want it to be and why? My humble apologies for the confusion, and for returning to this thread at such a late date. I hope this moves us along a bit.

Genesis! A rip-roaring read from start to end. Too many people read it as if they have to, but it shouldn't be a drudge. The narrative is as interesting as anything still being written today.