When approaching Biblical texts there are many established ways of expounding, explaining and studying them. Historical critical, social, political and literary techniques are employed in modern studies when examing the texts for modern readers. The Rabbi's have given us layers of interpretive principles as well. Knowing how the original authors and readers comprehened texts are large parts of knowing how to approach them today. We usually build from the first original point.
We would like to introduce a principle that approaches the subject from the opposite direction. Call it a way of biasing the reading in light of historic events in modern times. An example is found in the large number of late 20th century scholars approach Biblical texts using what they call post-holocaust theology. This lets the modern reader take account of events that are consequent of Christian teachings about Judaism ancient and modern. Doctrines of replacement theology and rejection theology have strongly affected Christian identity and their perceptions of Jews who don't accept the same teachings. Thoughts lead to actions as noted in history and contemporary events.
PHT will form a basic filter we admittedly will implement in these studies presented here. Our intellects must be informed by the realities of world experiences. World anti-semitism is in large part driven by religious viewpoints whether Christian, Muslim and even Jewish. But it is antithetical to the Bible's moral compass of justice, mercy and love.
In Deuteronomy Moses quotes Hashem to love your neighbors, a verse also cited as privotal by Jesus the Jew from Nazareth. Love for G_d's chosen people Israel is a collective way of loving our neighbors. Repentance and apology are in order for historic and modern deeds done in the name of Jesus and his followers. We will search out Biblical readings of Tanach and NT that can greatly aid in setting the records straight and improving our moral consistency. Therefore in a very direct sense we will allow these principles to govern our reading of the texts. From that we will also reach into the recesses of our minds and hearts to examine our own identities as worshippers of the one G_d of Israel.
