Responses to 101 Questions on the Biblical Torah: Reflections on the Pentateuch

by Roland Edmund Murphy

The first five books of the Bible are known in the Jewish faith as Torah and to Christians as the Pentateuch. In them is the foundational basis for the Judaeo-Christian faith in God's primary revelation of the Old Testament. These books have always raised the most questions about what God intended, how God speaks to human beings, why Israel was chosen, and the great themes of creation, election, covenant, and salvation.
Roland Murphy, one of the leading biblical scholars in the United States, answers everything you ever wanted to know about these important biblical books. He gives clear, easy-to-understand responses to the questions most frequently asked of a biblical scholar. To read this book is almost to have studied an encyclopedia on the basic biblical education every contemporary Christian should have. It will be ideal for classrooms, study groups, and whoever reads the Bible for spiritual richness.

126 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Thomas Lehner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought a majority of the answer provided good information and knowledge. A minority of the answers were frustrating in being vague or "we just don't know"; hwoever, not being a scholar and not having enough knowledge to argue the answer, I was inclined to accept it. The biggest positive of the book was providing insight into how the ancient Israelites, along with surrounding kingdoms, thought; how they viewed the world and God. The insight provided in this book I found very helpful as a Catholic, especially as the author weaves in the tension both within the Torah/Pentateuch books and the tensions between these books and the New Testament books as they developed alongside the early Christians. I would recommend this book for insight into the ancient Israelite way of life/thinking/worship and becoming comfortable with the tensions inherent in the Bible.