Dershowitz considers the book of Genesis to be the most innovational and modern tool to teach elements of moral character. When using biblical text to teach good morality and justice, examples demonstrating acts of goodness and purity are more commonly used. The texts that are mainly used are the New Testament and the Koran. Dershowitz explains that parents can give their child these texts and “feel confident they will learn by example of how to live a just and noble life” (1). Dershowitz later reveals that using books from the Old Testament that contain immoral and unjust aspects of life, such as the book of Genesis, teach good morality just as effectively. Using these examples of injustice can “challenge the reader to react, to think for
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He first discusses a group he calls “defense lawyers” (11). Dershowitz claims that this group heavily relies on “proof texts” (12) or excerpts that proof or validation to something the interpreter already knows is true. In other words, this type of interpreter is mainly relies on textual evidence to support their answers and claims. The next type of interpreter Dershowitz describes are known as “Socratic commentators” (12). Dershowitz claims that they are “prepared to ask the most difficult questions and acknowledge they do not always have the perfect answers” (12). In other words, the questions these commentators ask are open ended and do not have an exact answer. The word “Socratic” relates to the late philosopher, Socrates, and his methods of difficult questions to encourage critical thinking and understanding. Lastly, the last type of commentator that Dershowitz describes are known as “subtle skeptics” (13). He claims that this type of interpreter classify themselves as faithful, but doubt is strongly detected in their writings. According to Dershowitz, within their commentaries, there is doubt regarding “God’s justice, doubt about God’s compliance with His covenant, even occasional doubt about God’s very existence” (13). Overall, the “subtle skeptics” challenge the ideas of God and His graciousness. I would consider myself a question based commentator or “Socratic
He first discusses a group he calls “defense lawyers” (11). Dershowitz claims that this group heavily relies on “proof texts” (12) or excerpts that proof or validation to something the interpreter already knows is true. In other words, this type of interpreter is mainly relies on textual evidence to support their answers and claims. The next type of interpreter Dershowitz describes are known as “Socratic commentators” (12). Dershowitz claims that they are “prepared to ask the most difficult questions and acknowledge they do not always have the perfect answers” (12). In other words, the questions these commentators ask are open ended and do not have an exact answer. The word “Socratic” relates to the late philosopher, Socrates, and his methods of difficult questions to encourage critical thinking and understanding. Lastly, the last type of commentator that Dershowitz describes are known as “subtle skeptics” (13). He claims that this type of interpreter classify themselves as faithful, but doubt is strongly detected in their writings. According to Dershowitz, within their commentaries, there is doubt regarding “God’s justice, doubt about God’s compliance with His covenant, even occasional doubt about God’s very existence” (13). Overall, the “subtle skeptics” challenge the ideas of God and His graciousness. I would consider myself a question based commentator or “Socratic