Continuous and Discontinuous: An Analysis of the Old and New Testaments

Introduction

The Old and New Testaments, while interwoven with each other, are often seen as continuous and discontinuous in nature. This analysis delves into the similarities and differences, examining how the Old Testament addresses issues while the New Testament presents solutions. It also explores the claims made by early Christians regarding the true meaning of the Hebrew Bible, and their assertion that a deeper understanding emerged only after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Continuous Themes in the Old and New Testaments

The Old Testament serves to reveal fundamental problems, while the New Testament provides solutions to those very issues. For instance, the concept of a covenant between God and His people is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This covenant is often seen as a foundational agreement that sets the stage for Christ's mission and the establishment of the new covenant in the New Testament.

Discontinuous Claims and Interpretations

According to some scholars, the New Testament frequently cherry-picks scriptural citations from the Old Testament to justify a completely different interpretation. These citations are often used to assert that the original meanings of biblical passages were misunderstood by the Jewish people. This view is based on the belief that the true meaning of these texts was only fully revealed after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Theological Underpinnings

The Christian New Testament's reinterpretation of Old Testament texts is rooted in the claim that Jesus' suffering and resurrection marked a new era in the relationship between God and humanity. Early Christians argued that the original Jewish understanding of the scriptures was flawed, as they believed that the true depth and meaning were not realized until the emergence of the Christian faith.

Discrepencies in Biblical Interpretations

There are several key discrepancies between the Old and New Testaments, including:

The identification of the 'suffering servant': In the Old Testament, the 'suffering servant' is often understood to represent the nation of Israel. Early Christians, in their interpretation, sought to associate this figure with Jesus, challenging the traditional Jewish understanding.

The conflation of figures: The suffering servant, the 'Son of Man,' and the Davidic messiah are not conflated in the Old Testament. However, early Christians often claimed that these figures were one and the same.

Unique theological claims: The New Testament introduces the concepts of a dying and rising messiah, a virgin birth, a traveling miracle worker, and a crucified messiah, none of which were present in the Old Testament.

Ceremonial practices and beliefs: The New Testament mentions ceremonies that include mock cannibalism, beliefs in eternal punishment for non-belief, and the coming of a begotten son of God, none of which are found in the Old Testament.

The nature of God: The New Testament introduces the idea of a human becoming God, a concept that is not present in the Old Testament.

Conclusion

While the Old and New Testaments share a common history and purpose, the interpretations and applications of scriptural passages reveal significant discontinuities. The cherry-picking of Old Testament citations and the introduction of new theological concepts in the New Testament underscore the continuous and discontinuous nature of these texts. Ultimately, the question of continuity and discontinuity remains a subject of much debate and interpretation in religious studies.