Sources in the OT (J,P,E,D)

[Sheeniac]

All -

In my Scripture class, we’ve been presented with the theory of the multiple sources in the OT. We’ve studied Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Some of the discussion has focused on the theory that these books were compiled from a variety of sources and can be found in the style of writing through the books.

These sources are: Yahweh, Elohist, Priestly and Deuteronomical.

I’m wondering whether this is accepted by the more orthodox scholars of the Church.

 

[grannymh]

All -

In my Scripture class, we’ve been presented with the theory of the multiple sources in the OT. We’ve studied Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Some of the discussion has focused on the theory that these books were compiled from a variety of sources and can be found in the style of writing through the books.

These sources are: Yahweh, Elohist, Priestly and Deuteronomical.

I’m wondering whether this is accepted by the more orthodox scholars of the Church.

Please, I would like to know the dates for those sources.

They are mentioned in the introductory section on “The Pentateuch” in an older edition of the Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible. The first one is referred to as Yahwist.

Blessings,
granny

All human life is sacred from the moment of conception.

 

[Ocarm]

All -

In my Scripture class, we’ve been presented with the theory of the multiple sources in the OT.

I’m wondering whether this is accepted by the more orthodox scholars of the Church.

This is a default position held by most biblical scholars who adopt a literary-critical or historical-critical methodology (although aspects of the theory are frequently under review, it never really goes away).

The issues raised by this approach are discussed in a document published in 1994 by the Pontifical Biblical Commission entitled THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE IN THE CHURCH, which included a preface by then-Cardinal Ratzinger.

See ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PBCINTER.htm

This covers the complexities in a clear fashion, and will hopefully answer your questions regarding orthodoxy.