"I suggest that the Christian should not look to the OT [Old Testament] for rules to obey, models to follow, or norms by which to judge orthodoxy (or orthopraxy). The OT is fundamentally, and at its deepest level, a witness to the ongoing attempt of men and women in a specific community to understand, in faith, what was happening in their lives and to respond to what they believed was the saving activity of God in their lives. For us Christians the OT is the story of our roots. The importance of such a foundation story for establishing a sense of identity scarcely needs comment. The OT is, indeed, a resource[,] but it is not a set of norms."by Frederick L. Moriarty, SJ
Fr. Frederick L. Moriarty, one of the greatest Catholic teachers of the Old Testament in the twentieth century,
graciously left pages of unpublished notes to the Coordinator of the Catholic Biblical School for her use in teaching the Bible. It is absolutely certain that he would take delight, now that he is no longer a traveler on this earth, in knowing that short excerpts from his notes will be shared with those who access the Hartford Catholic Biblical School Blog. The above reflection is a brief excerpt from his unpublished notes.
To explore these ideas more fully, check out the Catholic Biblical School. We are accepting applications for the 2010-11 year until August 15, 2010. Or contact us directly at cbs@orehartford.org.
