Expert: Edward Bode - 6/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Bode,

I was wondering about Christian values. One hears frequently about
Judeo-Christian values.  Are there specifically Christian values separate from
its Judaic roots? For instance, Jesus' words and philosophy are mostly quotes
from the Old Testament (for example, "blessed are the meek for they shall
inherit the earth" - from Psalm 37:11, or "but if anyone strikes you on the
right cheek, turn to him the other also..." from Lamentations 3:30, or "when you
give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your charity may be in secret" - from Talmud, Baba Bathra 9b, or "judge
not, that you be not judged" from Talmud Shabbath 127b, or "but I
say to you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" from
Proverbs 25:21).  What are the values specific and original to Christianity, or
are they all modifications or extractions from the Old Testament?  

Thank you very much.
Bruce

ANSWER: One would expect that Jesus, in the line of Jewish prophet-wiseman would use the basic values of the Old Testament to announce His message, that would bring to completion the revelation of the one God.
However, Jesus did not hesitate to amend and change Jewish values.  The best known example of that change appears in Mt. chapter 5-7 where Jesus not only refined Old values but introduces His new ones and even reversed previous teachings.  Please read the three chapters.
Further, if you include in "values" the teachings of Jesus about God, you find great changes -- the Trinity and the rites that bring one in contact with God [for example, Mt 28:19].  Then there is the Eucharist as bread of life [for example, John 6:1ff; 1 Cor 11:23-26.  Also, the redemptive work of Jesus Who made it possible for humans to attain the perfect, everlasting happiness of heaven.
So, looking at the total work of Jesus, I would say that there are many more significant new teachings that truly merit the use of Judeo-Christian values.
I hope these thoughts, Bruce, are of some help.  If you wish more, please feel free to write again.
Thanks and best wishes.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, Mr. Bode,

Thank you very much for that answer. I am familiar with the chapters you cited from Matthew, but I re-read them as you recommended.  

An issue that confuses me with regard to those chapters and laws is, as you point out, how Jesus "introduces new ones" and "even reversed previous teachings."  When I read the Old Testament, I noticed specific commandments not to do so.  For example:

"The Torah of Hashem is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of Hashem is trustworthy, making the simple one wise; the orders of Hashem are upright, gladdening the heart... etc  (Psalm 19:8-10)

"You shall not add to the word that I command you, not shall you subtract from it, to observe the commandments of Hashem, your God, that I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2), and

"The entire word that I command you, that shall you observe to do; you shall not add to it and you shall not subtract from it." (Deuteronomy 13:1)

If the Old Testament (the Torah) is "perfect," and there are specific commandments not to add or subtract from the laws and commandments, how is it possible that Jesus did so without disobeying direct commandments of God?  One might propose that Jesus was really God in a sense, therefore he had the right to do so.  But it just doesn't seem logical, since the Psalm states the Torah is perfect.  If it's perfect, how can it be improved or changed?  Perfect is perfect, not requiring any additions or changes.

Thanks again for your help.
Bruce

Answer
That Jesus was truly God appears clearly in John -- for example, 1:1,14.
The task of understanding the bible includes finding a key to its truth in the whole, complete message --  the one God who inspired the writings does not contradict Himself.  So, to understand the message one needs to look for a cohesive explanation of all relevant passages.
Clearly, Jesus changed the Old Covenant.  He did so in right of His divinity.
Matthew refers to the law not passing away but being brought to perfection; Psalm 19:8ff, I think, in using the synonyns for the divine teaching emphasizes that God's teaching is true and perfecting.  The final and complete perfection of His teaching [torah]comes with the revelation made through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God's revelation occured over time to reach its fulfillment in Jesus -- for example, Hebrews 1:1-4:13.
I hope these thoughts are of help.  If you have further thoughts, please let me know.
Best wishes, Bruce