However, Abraham’s story is definitely canonical, being one of the lynchpins of the whole narrative, and was so from the very start.
(And yes the more fanciful parts of the Bible were understood to be allegorical by most of established Christianity for centuries. All-or-nothing Literalism rose to prominence only relatively recently.)
astorian:
Back to the common assertion that people embrace religion because they fear death.
Hindus believe in reincarnation. “Aha,” says the skeptic. “Reincarnation is a comforting myth that tells people they’ll go on living forever.”
Well, no. In fact, HELL no. To a Hindu, reincarnation is not a joyous thing to be embraced. A devout Hindu doesn’t relish coming back to live on Earth again and again and again. Mohandas Gandhi spoke for most when he called reincarnation a great and painful burden, one that most Hindus want to ESCAPE from by seeking Enlightenment.
So, if Judaism doesn’t have any definitive teachings on an afterlife… and Hindus find their concept of the afterlife extremely unpleasant… it sure doesn’t sound as if those religions are offering anyone any comforting myths.
So… if even many faithful Jews haven’t believed in an afterlife, why do they remain faithful? Why do they follow the commands of a God who isn’t promising them any reward?
Well, because he’s GOD! He is creator of all things, and he has a right to ask anything of us without promising us anything in return.
Remember that, when Job is suffering, he spends the almost all his time angrily yelling at God and demanding an explanation (whoever made up the phrase “the patience of Job” has never read the Book of Job). When God DOES appear to Job, does he say, “Relax- you’ll go to Heaven when you die”? Nope. Does he give Job any kind of explanation? Nope. All he tells Job is “I’m God, you aren’t. I created everything and I understand everything. You don’t. When you question me, you’re way above your pay grade. All you need to know is that I have my reasons.”
And that suffices for Job, as it’s SUPPOSED to suffice for all Jews.
See, the payoff for devout Jews is not Heaven. It’s not even an explanation of the Meaning of Life. It’s just assurance that there IS a God behind it all, and that there IS a Meaning (even if we’re not privy to it).
Salvation had not come yet but Holy Moses point to his coming.