SCTR19–ReligionsoftheBookpreparedbyFelixJust,s.j.pptVIP

Overview What is a “prophet”? NOT primarily “predicting” the future! How does each religion view prophets? Who are the most important prophets? What are the prophets’ main messages? What is a Prophet? Judaism – navi (Hebrew) Spokesperson for God; speaks to people Filled with God’s spirit; conveys teachings Christianity – prophetes (Greek) One who “speaks on behalf of” God One who conveys God’s messages to others Islam – nabi rasul (Arabic) Prophet: assigned a special mission by God Messenger: records God’s message in books Prophets in Judaism Named Prophets: 55 total in HB : 48 male, 7 female Tradition: 600,000 male 600,000 female Major Prophets? First Last in Canon: Moses Malachi Crucial in Israelite History: Elijah Ezra Books of Prophets: Former Prophets: Joshua; Judges; Samuel; Kings Latter Prophets: Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; The Twelve Can all people be prophets? Num 11:25-29; Deut 18:9-22 Prophets in Christianity Recognize all Prophets of HB, plus: Daniel (moved from HB Khetuvim to OT Prophets) John the Baptist (forerunner of Jesus) Jesus of Nazareth (but also more than a prophet) Greatest Prophets: OT era: Moses Elijah (cf. Mark 9:2-13) Pre-NT era: John the Baptist (Matt 11:7-15) Leaders of Early Christian Churches: Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Healers, etc. 1 Cor 12:28-29 1 Cor 14:1-40 Prophets in Islam Thousands of Prophets In all ages, to all nations (10:47; 16:36) All considered equal (same divine message) Chain of Prophets: First: Adam (2:30-39); Last: Muhammad Recognize all HB NT prophets (6:84-90) Roles of Prophets: Nabi = “prophet”; spoken messages Rasul = “messenger”; written books Judaism: Main Prophet: Moses Greatest of All the Prophets: Leader; Teacher; Law-Giver Received Torah from God on Mt. Sinai Decalogue: Exod 20; Deut 5 Written Torah: Five Books Oral Torah: Rabbinic Traditions (Mishnah/Talmud) No great than Moses: Deut 34:9-12 Other Major Prophets: Isaiah (“called” in 6:1-10; “Spirit” in 61:1-11) Jere