The Book of Greatest Influence 2/6/2008 8:41:24 AM
The Old Testament has had immeasurable impact on our society and culture as well as upon our literature--perhaps more than any other book--yet many people today dismiss it as irrelevant for our times. An editorial written on January l, 1994, made the bold pronouncement that “the Old Testament has probably influenced the world of Judeo-Christian history and literature more than any other book ever written.” The editorial went on to say that the basis of this claim was the fact that this great book of ancient scripture “contains the stories and traditions and truths that generations of parents have handed down to their children and which pastors from innumerable pulpits have told with power and persuasion” (A Most Powerful Witness, LDS Church News, 1994, 01/01/94).
The great influence of the Old Testament on the lives and destinies of mankind can scarcely be debated. Yet, in our day, this great book is increasingly considered to be old-fashioned and irrelevant. Many consider this great seldom-read book of scripture to be nothing more than myth and misguided tradition. Even though many of the great, well-known stories of the Old Testament are treasured for their moral message, they are considered by many to be little more than fairy tales of the same genre as those told by the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Anderson.
If one needs an excuse not to read the Old Testament, many are available. For one thing, it is very long—nearly four times as long as the New Testament—and in some places it is tedious and uninspiring. Many parts are repetitive, and the tedious details of ancient rituals are less than moving. There is also a lot of blood and slaughter.
Yet, in spite of all the arguments raised against it, the Old Testament must still be considered one of the most important books ever written. It is, after all, the word of God and much of its content relates to our time. Brigham Young University professor John A. Tvedtnes, in the introduction to his book, "The Church of the Old Testament," says that because all that God “has promised in the Old Testament, even in regard to Israel in the latter days, must come to pass, …the Old Testament is relevant to our modern era and has great value for us” (John A. Tvedtnes, The Church of the Old Testament [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], iii).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the value of the Old Testament. Though many people of other faiths think the Latter-day Saints have rejected the Bible in deference to the Book of Mormon—or “Golden Bible,” as it has been called—such is not the case. Every fourth year, the Latter-day Saint Sunday School curriculum devotes the entire year to Old Testament study. Last year is one of those years. And in the 2007-2008 school year, young people of high school age will be studying the Old Testament in their weekday religion (or seminary) classes.
Don't give up on the Old Testament; that would be a serious mistake. Take time to read it and to learn from it. It is the word of God and has an important message to us of Good's love for us, his children.
My book of Old Testament stories can help you. It is writtern for adults and young adults and is the most comprehensive book of Old Testament stories ever written for this audience. You will be inspired by familiar stories from your childhood as well as by stories that you may find unfamiliar. Learn more on my web site and read some sample stories. http://newviewoldtestament.com
