How do we respond to the use of Leviticus?

[meltzerboy]

“I answer that, As is evident from what has been stated, the judicial and ceremonial precepts derive their force from their institution alone: since before they were instituted, it seemed of no consequence whether things were done in this or that way. But the moral precepts derive their efficacy from the very dictate of natural reason, even if they were never included in the Law.” - St Thomas Aquinas, newadvent.org/summa/2100.htm

We must follow the moral precepts. The judicial and ceremonial precepts of the Old Testament are not permanent (think of it like disciplinary canons for the Old Testament Israelites). The moral laws are permanent and cannot be changed.

Yes, that is true per Jewish Law: that is, non-Jews are bound only by the moral laws of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Seven Noahide Laws. However, Judaism also claims that the Torah Law, to which all Jews are bound, is not really separated according to ritualistic laws and moral laws, or other categories. All of the Law is a moral obligation on the part of Jews, and no one part of the Law supersedes another, except with respect to saving human life and idolatry. Even the apparently most trivial commandment is morally worthy of respect and connected, albeit not always in an obvious way, to one of the Ten Commandments.

 

[Zekariya]

Yes, that is true per Jewish Law: that is, non-Jews are bound only by the moral laws of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Seven Noahide Laws. However, Judaism also claims that the Torah Law, to which all Jews are bound, are not really separated according to ritualistic laws and moral laws, or other categories. All of the Law is a moral obligation on the part of Jews, and no one part of the Law supersedes another, except with respect to saving human life and idolatry. Even the apparently most trivial commandment is morally worthy of respect and connected, albeit not always in an obvious way, to one of the Ten Commandments.

I was giving the Catholic view on the Torah. I understand that the Jewish view differs. Catholics are required to obey all of the moral precepts in the Law of Moses not just the Seven Noahide Laws. The Catholic Church does not hold the judicial precepts (how to run the country) and ceremonial precepts (the rituals practiced) as something that is required for Christians to follow. Individual countries have their own judicial precepts and we follow the Church’s ceremonial precepts.