Robert Shinkoskey’s Do My Prophets No Harm, reviewed by Woodrow Walton
This reviewer also challenges Shinkoskey’s contention that the compilation of both the Old and New Testaments was “politically motivated” (p. 74). This counters the record of Jerome’s work, of the Council of Carthage, of Athanasius’ Paschal Letter, and of the scattered codices” such as the Byzantine, Alexandrian, the Old Syriac, and Caesarean. Pages 76-77 are interesting reading. This is where Shinkoskey notes that neither Judaism nor Christianity recognizes any further revelation from God other than what is recorded either in the Mikra Qodesh (Hebrew Scriptures) or the Kaine Diatheke (New Testament). Consider page 77 of Shinkoskey’s work and compare it with Hebrews 1:2 which strongly contends no further revelation than that of Christ Jesus is needed.
This is no criticism of Shinkoskey’s work as it is interesting reading and worth examining. Let the reader read the second paragraph on page 86 and determine whether there is a stretch of Shinkoskey’s imagination as to the function of the great commandment as given in both Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 5:7. This reviewer does not wish to criticize Shinkoskey’s work and thus cast a doubt upon its credibility. It is heavily documented and has a three-page bibliography attached to its work and an index which goes from page 185 to page 205.
One other thing can be noted. It is clear that Shinkoskey holds to the documentary theory of the Old Testament’s compilation as he frequently refers to the J, E, P, and D documents. For the reader “J” stands for those places in the Old Testament where God is addressed as Jehovah while “E” refers to God as Elohim. “P” refers to the Priestly Code found most pronouncedly in Leviticus while “D” refers to the “Deuteronomic” writing. Readers unfamiliar with this approach may wish seek another introduction to the writings of those biblical scholars who specialize in literary aspects of the Scriptures. There are differing views as to the literary aspects. Lastly, there are comments in the later chapters with respect to Islam and its “prophetic” stance in relationship to Judaism and Christianity.
Reviewed by Woodrow E. Walton.
Category: Spirit
Followers
Fans
