About this episode

Dr. Yisroel Benporat discusses the relationship between Puritan theology and the Hebrew Bible, exploring their views on Mosaic law and Jewish conversion.

What did the Puritans really believe about the Old Testament, Mosaic law, Jews, and Israel? In this episode of the Biblical Mind Podcast, historian Dr. Yisroel Benporat explores the fascinating and often misunderstood relationship between Puritan theology and the Hebrew Bible. Benporat explains why Puritans attempted to apply biblical judicial laws to early American society, including laws concerning adultery, the Sabbath, and criminal punishment. He unpacks the distinction between moral, ceremonial, and judicial law and shows how Puritan thinkers wrestled with the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The conversation also challenges the popular myth that Puritans were essentially “quasi-Jews.” Although Puritans were deeply fascinated by Hebrew Scripture and Jewish texts, their views of contemporary Jews were shaped by Christian supersessionism and a strong desire for Jewish conversion. Finally, Benporat examines Puritan eschatology and the restoration of Israel, exploring why some scholars see connections between Puritan thought and later Christian Zionism. The episode concludes by considering what Puritanism can teach us about biblical interpretation, Christian…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Yisroel Benporat

Topics covered

• Puritan theology
• Mosaic law
• Christian nationalism
• Hebrew Bible
• Christian supersessionism
• Jewish-Christian relations

Keywords

• Puritans
• Mosaic law
• Christian nationalism
• Hebrew Scripture
• Christian Zionism
• eschatology
• judicial laws
• Old Testament
• New Testament

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center For Hebraic Thought

Books & works: The Puritans, Mosaic Law, and the Roots of Christian Nationalism

Places: America, Israel, Massachusetts

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