What is the culturally sensitive way to refer to the Old Testament?
I am aware of the need to refer to the 'old testament' as the Hebrew Bible. Is it appropriate in writing to refer to the Hebrew Bible as the Hebrew Testament? I see no references written in that manner but my pastor wants me to use Hebrew Testament in my writing. thanks.
Using “Hebrew Testament” should have no problems. The problem that many have with”Old Testament” is that the term can sound like the first part of the Bible is dated, belongs in the past. “Hebrew” isn’t completely accurate since a good part of Daniel is in Aramaic. Another problem that I have with “Hebrew Bible” is that this use of “Bible” makes it sound like the Old Testament is a separate Bible from the New Testament.
I like the terms “First Testament” and “New Testament."
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This is an issue scholars are still debating. No consensus has been reached. Therefore my opinion will be just that, another opinion. I hope it is helpful.
I would say that the positive thing about using the expression Hebrew Testament is that it avoids falling into supersession, this idea that Christianity is superior and has replaced Judaism. In my opinion, using the expressions “Hebrew Testament” and “Christian Testament,” recognizes the fact the God has dealt equally but differently with two groups of people and that both traditions are valid.
If you are to use it in writing, and I don’t se why you shouldn’t, then you have to explain the reasons for doing so. Some may disagree with this nomenclature but as long as you respect the particularities of both the Jewish and the Christian traditions, then your choice is a valid one.
However, "Hebrew Testament" seems to me an odd way to refer to the Hebrew Bible. "Testament," in this context, means "covenant." While Christians emphasize the contrast between the old covenant given to Israel and the new covenant given through Jesus to the church (Jeremiah 31), Jews do not make this distinction. And they do not refer to their Hebrew Scriptures as a single "covenant." So to refer to the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures as the "Hebrew Testament" is not really the way either Jews or Christians commonly refer to these books.
You can call it what you want, though I wonder how your minister would feel about a non-Christian using a term that no Christian would use for the New Testament. Hebrew scriptures works. If you want the Jewish version, try Tanach, which is a made up word combining parts of the Hebrew words for Torah, Prophets, and Writings. Any knowledgeable Jew would recognize and endorse that usage.