Having lived in Israel during several periods of my life, I know that the words "Old" in the "Old Testament" and "New" in the "New Testament" are offensive to many Jews. From what I understand, it's because "old" tends to have negative connotations (ex: outdated, irrelevant, decrepit, obsolete) and "new" has positive connotations (ex: new and improved, better, more relevant, contemporary, updated). I understand their logic and sentiment about all of that! In fact, I agree with them full-heartily. Let's be honest, if you were to say: "do you want this 'old' toy [any item, really] or this 'new' toy [any item, really]?" the majority of people will prefer the "new" item because we tend to associate "new" with "better quality," especially in comparison to anything "old" (unless you're an antique collector, historian, etc).
Thus, like Jews, I prefer to call the "Old Testament," the "Hebrew Bible" -- so it's free of all those negative connotations. This is not just because I want to be PC or demonstrate my respect/sensitives towards their perspectives (though both are true), but also, I think... even as a Christian, though we value both bodies of scriptures, the "old" in "Old Testament" carries that same negative baggage with it... "It's too old and obscure to understand... and irrelevant since Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses...." And I think this is a dangerous approach to this sacred literary corpus insomuch we develop preconceived notions that it will be too challenging to comprehend/apply and worse, insignificant (I don't think we do it consciously, it's just embedded in the word "old"). Consequently, we have an innate proclivity to value it less... And this is sad since there is much to be gleaned from the Hebrew Bible! From the Hebrew Bible, the divine covenants concerning salvation were taught as well as the Abrahamic covenant, etc. etc. Many of these principles and prophecies are timeless, and should not be burdened down by the word "old," which denigrates its worth and authority a bit.
Now, I am not naive, and I know the Christian communities will never adopt such a name change because it's just not practical nor a priority, mostly because most people don't care and a change in the name will just cause confusion, and cause more problems. To be clear, I'm not advocating/promoting that the Churches do so.... But, I must say, that I am pleased to see that "Hebrew Bible" is being used more and more in biblical scholarship and the academic spheres. Personally, I'm going to use it in lieu of "Old Testament," (even within a Christian context) and I will be happy to explain/elucidate my reasoning to whoever I'm speaking to.
However, after this long-winded spiel, I realize (and I'm sure you have by now, too) that I don't know what neutrally-charged, more appropriate, title to use when referencing the "New" Testament. I know within the walls of synagogues, the "New Testament" is not a likely topic that arises, but how do I reference it in an inter-faith academic dialogue if I don't want to pin on the "New" connotations? In acadamia/biblical scholarships, what name/title do they ascribe to the "New Testament." I'm assuming, they probably call it "New Testament" just so that everyone is on the same page and knows what they are talking about... but if we were to have a "Hebrew Bible" equivalent for the "New Testament," what would it likely be? "Greek Bible" doesn't work because the Septuagint (LXX) is the Hebrew Bible translated in Greek by Jews (hundreds of years before the existence of the "New Testament")... "Christian Bible" doesn't work because that seems to confine Christians to only the "New Testament," which only perpetuates the dilemma. Or is there already one, and I am just uninformed?
Basically, how do Jews refer to the "New" Testament? What is PC?
Todah!
Answer
I can see how Christian books could be useful; however, there are so many Christian books out there; Christian books may just be too broad. You might still find yourself having to explain and search for more specific adjectives.
Here are some additional suggestions:
- The 27 Books
- Primary Apostolic Writings
- Primary Christian Writings
Reading through the conversation in the comments to this answer, about Holy/divine writings, I am reminded of an old term, "Holy Writ," and wonder if the word writ might be employed:
- Apostolic Writ
- Christian Writ
Christian Writ strikes me as an exceptional over-all option, in that it:
- defines the collection specifically as what the Christians/Apostles wrote,
- is concise and natural enough to bear up under repetition in lengthy discourse,
(is even one syllable shorter than "New Testament.") - respectfully conveys that the Christians consider the collection divine/holy,
without implying whether one agrees or disagrees with their conviction. - writ does not seem to be used for other Greek/Christian writings
(such as the church Fathers, or contemporary books/documents).
Christian Scripture also puts ownership of the conviction on the Christian; however, it may not be distinct enough to represent only the books written by Christians, since the whole of their bible, both parts together, is held by Christians as Scripture.
A bit more eccentric:
- The Christian Rule of Faith
- The Christian Anthology
It might be helpful to refer to the collection by its components:
- Gospels, Acts, Letters and Revelation,
either list them, or refer to the particular part that is pertinent to conversation.
In reference specifically to the original Greek manuscripts, some of the above suggestions might be adapted by replacing writings with documents, manuscripts, parchments, or corpus.
A bit too obscure:
Early Christian writings
Greek Christian writings
Apostolic writings
Greek Canon
Christian Canon
Greek Canon-used to refer to collection of Greek art. One might think using earliest instead of just early would remedy this; however, earliest has connotations concerning (carbon) dating of the manuscripts and if you merely intend to imply foundational, then, primary would be the word of choice, as foundational would be a mouthful.
I don't intend to solve the matter with "an answer" but rather to present a compendium of vocabulary, terms, and adjectives adjectives; to consider the various implications, connotations, and limitations; to thus help equip/prepare those who endeavor to communicate respectfully and effectively about such matters in inner faith dialogue.
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