The view from the early Catholic Church says St Paul opposes Judaism. It says Judaism is concerned with Mosaic Law, a law with an emphasis on the carnal. Because Jews failed to recognize Christ, approving of anything of Judaism is an attack on Christ. Jews are responsible for the death of Jesus. All of the Law was only in preparation for Christ, to listen to that law now is a denial of Christ, as is any participation in any of their rituals. The Law under Christ is only the Law of Love, not the Mosaic Law.
On the other hand is the view of Judaism taken from St. Augustine. He says the OT laws are good, not evil. They lead us to Christ and help us understand the meaning of Christ’s teaching. God even used the Jews for teaching, Augustine said, after the resurrection by bringing the bible with them wherever they went, so it was respected even by pagans.
A third view of Judaism has come to us through the scholars who have studied the writings of the very earliest Hebrews. Being able to read the writings archeology has found is relatively new. These scholars usually say that understanding the thinking in ancient times has opened up new and better understanding of the OT; they express a reverence for what they have learned. Most feel it is necessary to know the steps leading to Christ to understand Him fully.
Have you decided on which of these varying views is yours and why?
On the other hand is the view of Judaism taken from St. Augustine. He says the OT laws are good, not evil. They lead us to Christ and help us understand the meaning of Christ’s teaching. God even used the Jews for teaching, Augustine said, after the resurrection by bringing the bible with them wherever they went, so it was respected even by pagans.
A third view of Judaism has come to us through the scholars who have studied the writings of the very earliest Hebrews. Being able to read the writings archeology has found is relatively new. These scholars usually say that understanding the thinking in ancient times has opened up new and better understanding of the OT; they express a reverence for what they have learned. Most feel it is necessary to know the steps leading to Christ to understand Him fully.
Have you decided on which of these varying views is yours and why?