Thu Nov 30 12:20:33 1995

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Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 10:00:36 -0600
From: PFlesher@UWYO.EDU (Paul V. M. Flesher)
Subject: Hebrew Bible, etc.
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I disagree with Prof. Deist that the term "First Testament" shows respect
for the Jewish character of the Hebrew Bible.  To say "First" is to imply
that there is a "second," which those who use the term (primarily
Christians) obviously think is the New Testament.  So the term "First
Testament" is simply another Christian term that ends being parochial with
regard to Judaism.

Personally, I think that there is no good single term.  Instead, "When in
Rome one should do as the Romans do."  That is, if Hebrew Bible is the
subject and will be understood by the audience (Students), use that term.
If not, use Old Testament.  Of course Old Testament is not a clear term
either.  Does it refer to the Protestant OT, the Catholic OT, or some other
version?

Paul

Paul V. M. Flesher
Religious Studies
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY  82071-3353

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