Fulfilling the Law

The New Testament speaks of Jesus' teachings and way of life constituting a fulfillment of the Jewish Law.  Hear Saint Paul:  "Whoever loves another person fulfills the Law. for you must love your neighbour as yourself.  Love does nothing wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love fulfills the Law." [Rom. 13:8]

It should be said that the Law was a manifest improvement on prior Canaanite religion, but was still barbaric.  As a product of its time, it must be read in context.  The Law, which blazed a trail by giving slaves and everyone else a day off each week; and provided generously for the poor and needy, also endorsed child abuse, spousal abuse, homophobia, sexual abuse and, of course, legalism.  Judaism introduced authoritative commentation to keep practice up-to-date and to make it more humane.  No Jewish congregation today would support painful execution of one's child for mere disobedience or men having all the wives, concubines, and also-rans they want and can afford, as well as the use of prostitutes.  Interpretation made all the difference going forward.

Christianity had a similar process.  Christian Scripture, although not law, is considered to be authoritative.  Still, those writings, although "inspired," reflect factual errors, scientific ignorance, and sometimes abhorrent agendae in the issuing communities.  They also contain substantial contradictions, including many theological ones.  So, across the ages Church scholars have been able to mould and direct the interpretation of Scripture, and that involves evolution in thought and insight;  those in the Roman Communion -- though they deny it -- have changed theological and practical positions to keep up, somewhat.

In the Episcopal Tradition, we uphold Scripture, rightly interpreted, traditional Catholic faith and practice, and conciliar insights.  But we also rely on "reason," a concept which comprises use of advances in knowledge in disciplines across the board to keep what we say and do fresh and ever faithful to the overarching values reflected in Jesus' words and example.   Unlike the protestants, we Episcopalians don't have to find a bible verse to justify test-tube conception, or to relate to ordaining women alongside men, or embracing those born with a gay or lesbian sexual signature.   In so doing, we remain faithful to Jesus' counsel not to judge, but love and serve, and also use our God-given intellect in his service.   Thus, we can move into God's future with humility, trust, and confidence.