DeAnn Grove
1.Describe the documentary hypothesis of the Pentateuch.
The Documentary Hypothesis is a theory about the origins of the Pentateuch, which traditionally are believed to be written by Moses. Yet, numerous biblical scholars have discovered discrepancies in the writings of the Pentateuch. Biblical scholars feel they have proven different versions of what Moses originally authored, such as that of Noah and the Ark. One version states that it was 40 days and 40 nights, yet in the other it is written 150 days. Also, that a raven was sent to find land and not a dove, and lastly, in one version it was two of each specie of animal and the other, only one of each “clean” animal, and other stories that have been discovered to have two different versions also. No one scholar is entirely responsible for creating the Documentary Hypothesis, but one German scholar is most closely associated with it is, Julius Wellhausen. In fact, the documentary hypothesis is sometimes referred to as the Wellhausen Hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that
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Even if the Pentateuch could be proven to be one hundred percent fictional, I believe if it was restructured it could lead to complete destruction of Judaism as we know it, and I believe that every religion should be able to continue their beliefs as originally taught. No matter what the scholars, archeologists, linguistics, and historians uncover, the Pentateuch, I feel it should stay in its original state no matter what is discovered. There is no reason why Judaism should have to be completely restructured after centuries of the same teachings and Judaism should be able to continue with the same traditional scriptures, worship, and teachings. I will never understand the importance of trying to find the “absolute” truth and destroy a religion that has been honored for