Reflection on J. Daniel Hays Essay

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Reflection on J. Daniel Hays Essay Applying the Old Testament Law Today OBST 591-D15 Old Testament Orientation I Dr. Robert E. Cole Leisha Edwards November 8, 2012 REFLECTION ON HAYS’ APPROACH TO OLD TESTAMENT LAW According to the Hays’ article “Applying the Old Testament Law Today, it is my interpretation, based on the Old Testament that Hays’ suggest that Christians should adhere to moral, civic and ceremonial laws. He conveys this point by saying the Christians should adhere to moral law. Moreover, he uses the word principlism that by definition includes civic and ceremonial laws. He also offers five steps to applying the law. First, we are to identify the initial audience. Next we should determine 1st century Jews from 21st century Christians. Thirdly, we should develop universal principles. Fourth, is to correlate the principle to New Testament teaching. Lastly, we should apply the modified universal principle to modern day life. Furthermore, Hays argues two approaches Christians can take in interpreting and applying the Law. The traditional approach is a way of interpreting and applying the Law. Using this approach Hays suggest that Christian readers should pay attention to the moral laws but can neglect the civil and ceremonial laws. One issue with this is that distinguishing three types of law can be illogical. I further concur that it takes the Law out of its literary context. PRINCIPLISM The other approach is called principlism. This is the approach that Hays’ favors. The act of apply principles is a hermeneutical method that looks to uncover the eternal principles within each Old Testament scripture and apply them to the 21st century church. Hays suggest this application can be done by having knowledge of what the law meant to the Old Testament Jews. In addition, we should have knowledge of the differences between
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