Biblical Law and Its Relevance: A Christian Understanding and Ethical Application for Today of the Mosaic Regulations [Paperback]

Joe Sprinkle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 22, 2005

This book approaches the laws of the Pentateuch from theological, historical, moral, and spiritual perspectives. Theologically, this book raises a question of hermeneutics: What are Christians to make of the law? Biblical Law and Its Relevance, while taking into consideration the approaches of Reformed, Dispensationalist, Lutheran, and Theonomist scholars, proposes a distinctive hermeneutic of seeking to find the abiding moral and religious principles inherent in the laws. In pursuing this goal, this book employs a comparative-legal methodology that examines biblical laws in their ancient Near Eastern historical setting and in comparison with rabbinic, modern, and especially cuneiform laws. It seeks to determine the original significance of the lex talionis formula ('eye for an eye') and the rules of clean / unclean. It also surveys how the laws were administered from the time of Joshua to the end of the Old Testament period. From an ethical-spiritual viewpoint, this book shows how the laws were meant to foster a relationship with God and identifies the ethical relevance of the laws to today's issues of abortion, rights of the underclass, theft, divorce, sexuality, and the conduct of war.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent discussion.... I applaud his efforts....This volume will challenge its readers. (Mark F. Rooker Journal Of The Evangelical Theological Society )

From the Back Cover

This book approaches the laws of the Pentateuch from theological, historical, moral, and spiritual perspectives. Theologically, this book raises a question of hermeneutics: What are Christians to make of the law? Biblical Law and Its Relevance, while taking into consideration the approaches of Reformed, Dispensationalist, Lutheran, and Theonomist scholars, proposes a distinctive hermeneutic of seeking to find the abiding moral and religious principles inherent in the laws. In pursuing this goal, this book employs a comparative-legal methodology that examines biblical laws in their ancient Near Eastern historical setting and in comparison with rabbinic, modern, and especially cuneiform laws. It seeks to determine the original significance of the lex talionis formula ("eye for an eye") and the rules of clean / unclean. It also surveys how the laws were administered from the time of Joshua to the end of the Old Testament period. From an ethical-spiritual viewpoint, this book shows how the laws were meant to foster a relationship with God and identifies the ethical relevance of the laws to today's issues of abortion, rights of the underclass, theft, divorce, sexuality, and the conduct of war.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: University Press Of America (November 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761833722
• ISBN-13: 978-0761833727
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Law

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overview, October 10, 2007

By 

Matthew B. Thiner "Old Testament Guy" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biblical Law and Its Relevance: A Christian Understanding and Ethical Application for Today of the Mosaic Regulations (Paperback)

This book is a very intense and enlightening book that covers tough subjects throughout the Old Testament. Though it is probably not for the average person, students of the Bible and especially the Old Testament will want to look at this book to gain further understanding from a great scholar in Old Testament studies. The author is a former professor of mine whom I learned much from and helped me to choose an Old Testament emphasis for my master's work. This book is detailed and can be used to topically search tough passages from the Old Testament Law. An excellent tie to the New Testament is done throughout the book as well.