As the title of this post, I hope, implies this article is about whether or not the works of the New Testament (in particular the words of Jesus) is an extension (roughly meaning a continuation) or modification (roughly meaning a correction) of the works of the Old Testament. I think most christians would like to argue and believe that the New Testament is an extension of the Old Testament. However, if the the New Testament is an extension and not a modification then how does a person wrestle with the seemly contradictory aspects (such as "an eye for an eye" in the Old Testament and 'turn the other cheek' in the New Testament, differences in the laws on divorce, etc.). This is especially prudent to those that take the Torah (which contains Exodus) to be inspired by God or to be the words of God revealed through Moses. It becomes more concerning if the goal is to claim the god of the christians, jews, and muslims is the same: how can this be if there is not the same continuation between the religions in the present and through their historical theological development (i.e., their different works, etc.)? How can this be if either some people do not believe Jesus was the son of god, their is not a son of god, the son of God is still to come, or Jesus and Elijah are the same (either as have been or still to come)--or Jesus and Elijah are sperate (either as have been or still to come)?
4 comments:
A few thoughts:
I don't think the contradictions you pointed to are really contradictions. All throughout the Old Testament we see individuals and God acting with great mercy rather than with the full extent of retribution that is "allowed" (for lack of a better term) in the Old Testament law. So while the law may allow a certain degree of retribution ("an eye for an eye"), there is often an attitude on the part of those enforcing the law that mercy should be given, which is what Jesus picks up in the New Testament. Though, even in the New Testament, there is no statement that we should be absolutely merciful. Retribution for wrong still exists, i.e. "church discipline," though the nature of it adapts a bit because we are no longer dealing with a nation but with an institution.
I would definitely not say that Allah is the same God as the Judeo-Christian God (Yahweh). While there may be some same individuals in the Koran and the Bible, the differences in their portrayal and the portrayal of God are starkly different. I don't think you can reasonably equate the two.
I'm a bit confused by your statements about Jesus and Elijah. What are your trying to argue for there? Are you saying Elijah is the key character of the Old Testament as Jesus is of the new? I would say that is definitely not accurate (I would say there is no one key character to the Old Testament, each period seems to have a key character with Moses and David seeming to stand above the rest).
If my understanding of the relationship between Jesus and Elijah is correct then most would hold that they are two separate beings and Elijah will come again before the second coming of Jesus (as a last call for repentance and to announce Jesus is returning). However, some have argued that Jesus came (the first time) in the spirit/essence (for a lack of a better word): this I lean to the side of disagreeing with depending if it is taken to mean that the greater (meaning Jesus) is coming in the spirit of the lesser (meaning Elijah); as if it is taken to mean that it does not make sense in terms of logic—although post-modern logic, non-structure based logic, etc. could be used to rationalize it. However, I do not think most that would put this side forward would take it to mean literally Jesus is coming in the spirit of Elijah, rather they, I hope, probably meaning Jesus talking about the end of the world, for example, in Mark (13) is a for runner of Elijah (I should say what will happen when Elijah returns, but before Jesus). Many also say the same about John (Luke 1: 17); although how they come up with the same conclusion for Jesus (or extend it to Jesus) I do not know. I guess still some take this one step more forward and say Jesus is Elijah.
They are definitely two separate beings. The only real connection I have heard between the two of them is that John the Baptist was compared to Elijah (though I don't think he was literally Elijah) and held the mission of preparing the way of Christ. Perhaps that is what you are thinking of? I have heard possibly some individuals say that Elijah will precede Christ's return, but I definitely don't think that is a majority opinion...
To clarify when I wrote "Many also say the same about John (Luke 1: 17)" as after reading this over it may be unclear: I meant to point out what it says in Luke 1: 17: "And he will go before the lord in the spirit and power of Elijah...": which I take to mean in the sense/spirit and determination/power (“sense” and “determination” are closest I could come up with, other words could be value, feeling, etc. and authority, etc., respectively). I also meant to point out that some extend this passage-- I guess its this passage they use to justify their conclusion--to take it to mean John is Elijah: as taken to mean in “spirit” and “power”, not physically the same person--possible in some kind of reincarnation or something being shared or given such as the same “spirit” and “authority”—note their position might have two sections to it (1) if the passage only say said “power” then they would take the passage to mean either with the same sort of determination that Elijah had or with the authority granted by Elijah, but (2) it did not just say that it also said “…in the spirit…of Elijah” which they take to mean in essence.
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