Why Read the Old Testament (and other questions you have asked)
This week we finish with the first five books of the Bible – called the Torah (meaning “Teaching” or “Law”). In less than two months, we have read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Bible Year has been a real blessing for our church and especially for all who have committed to doing the readings each day. Well done! One question that was asked a couple weeks ago in our Bible Study was “Why do Christians need to read the Old Testament?” That is a great question and a common one when we encounter “ its harsh moral codes and ancient cultural norms (that) come across today as obsolete at best, barbaric at worst.” You may share a similar sentiment and be asking the same question. I gave the best answer I could at the time, but felt there was more that needed to be said. I came across an article by Brent A. Strawn, professor of Old Testament at Duke Divinity School: We Need to Read the Bible Jesus Read . Strawn is an ordained minister in The United Me...