Why Don’t Christians Keep Parts of the Old Testament That No Longer Apply?

Christianity, as a religion, often faces the question of whether to retain or remove parts of the Old Testament (OT) that are deemed no longer applicable. This controversy is not only theological but also practical, involving issues such as textual integrity, cultural sensitivity, and the role of religious authorities.

Textual Consistency

One of the reasons Christians hesitate to remove sections of the OT is the sheer volume of text. The Old Testament makes up the majority of the Christian Bible. Removing parts of it would result in a drastically reduced text, which could be seen as culturally and historically significant. This raises the question of whether this bulk of the Bible can be removed without causing embarrassment or, more practically, incurring increased costs for printing and distribution. The verse count for the entire Old Testament alone can be astronomical, and its removal would be a substantial change for the religious community.

Religious Identity and Historical Roots

By retaining the Old Testament, Christians can maintain a direct link to the origins of their faith and Judaism. Many Christians view themselves as the continuation of what some might see as an ancient and immoral religion, yet they also recognize the cultural and religious heritage that the Old Testament represents. If the OT were removed, Christians would effectively sever their ties to a significant part of their religious and historical identity. It would be as if they were ignoring a family tree, tearing out a large segment of their past, making it appear as if they started from a different lineage entirely.

Authorship and Divine Inspiration

Another key factor is the belief in divine inspiration. Christians who hold this view consider that every word in the Old Testament is divinely inspired. Removing parts that they see as outdated or inappropriate could be perceived as sin, an act of defying God’s will. Holding this belief, they see the Old Testament as a sacred text that contains the words of God and removing these words would be a violation of their faith.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Old Testament contains many stories and laws that would be seen as barbaric by modern standards. Stories of stoning people to death for wearing separate threads in their clothing, as mentioned, present an extreme and controversial scenario. Christians often cherry-pick texts, selectively choosing those that support their beliefs while ignoring or rationalizing the more problematic ones. Keeping these passages intact serves as a reminder of the rich, albeit sometimes troubling, historical and cultural context from which their faith originates. It also provides a basis for understanding the evolution of religious thought.

Religious Control and Interpretation

Many Christians lean heavily on their religious leaders, such as pastors, for interpretation and guidance. These leaders often provide a safe, digestible version of the Bible that aligns with modern values. Without a direct examination of the text, reliance on these interpretations might lead to a more permissive or selective application of biblical laws. This dependence on clerical interpretation allows for a certain level of flexibility in adhering to religious standards, reducing the need for individuals to confront the more challenging and uncomfortable aspects of the Old Testament.

Religious Literacy and the Past

The historical context of the Bible’s translation and dissemination is crucial. The first English translation of the Bible by William Tyndale is a notable example. Tyndale’s translation was controversial and eventually led to his execution by the church hierarchy. The fact that the Bible was initially available only in Latin limited its accessibility to the laity, thereby maintaining the church’s monopoly on interpretation. In a similar vein, the current reluctance to remove parts of the Old Testament can be framed as a reflection of the past when the Bible was a powerful tool of religious control.

Moreover, within living memory, there have been instances where religious authorities have insisted on using Latin for Bible readings, further emphasizing the integral role of the Old Testament in maintaining religious authority and preventing misinterpretation.

While the Old Testament can be challenging and at times ethically problematic, its presence in the Bible serves multiple purposes, from maintaining religious integrity and historical identity to providing a means for both challenge and inspiration.