I would like to suggest an answer to the ongoing debate between those who argue “No Torah” and those who argue “All Torah.”
The answer to “No Torah” vs. “All Torah” is: KNOW TORAH.
No Torah or All Torah?
I would like to suggest an answer to the ongoing debate between those who argue “No Torah” and those who argue “All Torah.”
The answer to “No Torah” vs. “All Torah” is: KNOW TORAH.
Long-ing For Life 
That reminds me of the New Covenant promise that all will know God, from the least to the greatest. π
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On an unrelated note: I wanted to let you know that I’ve been inspired by your blog. You have a way of making me think. I have chosen your blog for the Thinking Blog Award meme because I am grateful for the thought and time you put into your posts here!
If you’d ever like to participate:
1. Simply add the graphic to your blog and link it back to The Thinking Blog.
2. Write a post awarding 5 of your favorite blogs that make you think.
3. A link back to the personβs blog who awarded you would be appreciated =)
Nate, I noticed on your home website that you have “Justification And Variegated Nomism: The Paradoxes Of Paul”. Have you read this yet? If so, what are some of your thoughts on it?
Pati in WA
Pati,
Well…I have a lot of thoughts about it. Since it is a collection of essays, just like the first volume (The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism), some essays are better than others. It is clear that Don Carson had an agenda, as he clearly reveals particularly in his summary to Vol 1, and I think he fails to accomplish that agenda.
However, there is a ton of good information contained in both volumes. Consistent with other writings one of my favorite essays is the one in Vol 1 by Philip Alexander (“Torah and Salvation in Tannaitic Literature”).
If I could re-name Covenantal Nomism, I would probably use the term “Variegated Nomism” or something similar, however, not because I necessarily agree with the criticisms of those who have coined the term, but because I think as Sander defined it Covenantal Nomism is portrayed as more pervasive in 2nd Temple Judaism than it actually was. 2nd Temple Judaisms would probably be more accurately described by “variegated nomism.”
To summarize, those authors in the 2 volumes of Justification and Variegated Nomism who are arguing for the continued tweaking of those ideas forged by E.P. Sanders I appreciate, those authors who argue for a return to something akin to the old Lutheran views on Judaism I have a problem with.
Do you have the book? Are you contemplating purchasing it? If you haven’t bought them yet and have a limited book-buying budget (who of us doesn’t? although my wife accuses me of thinking I don’t) I would encourage you to check it out of a library first. If you’ve all ready read it…what did you think?
I haven’t read it – I just was looking at the description and comments on Amazon. I’m always on the lookout for “interesting” books π I’ve been interested in reading some of the criticisms of Sanders, et al & “The New Perspective,” because there doesn’t seem to be much out there & I don’t know if most Christians realize the implications.
I may take your recommendation to check it out of the library before buying.
Thanks for the reply!
Pati