Deuteronomic Theology and the Significance of Torah

<p>One of the few areas of consensus in modern Deuteronomy scholarship is the contention that within the book of Deuteronomy there is a program of reform that was nothing short of revolutionary. Although there are divergent views regarding the specific details of this revolutionary program most scholars agree that in fundamental and profound ways Deuteronomy was radical in its vision. This vision was expressed in key ideas: centralization of worship secularization and demythologization (of earlier traditions). However Vogt argues that these ideas fail to account adequately for the data of the text of Deuteronomy itself. Instead he claims at the heart of Deuteronomic theology is the principle of the supremacy of Yahweh which is to be acknowledged by all generations of Israelites through adherence to Torah. Thus the book of Deuteronomy is in fact radical and countercultural but not in the ways that are usually adduced. It is radical in its rejection of ANE models of kingship and institutional permanence in its emphasis on the holiness of life lived out before Yahweh and in its elevation of Yahweh and his Torah.</p><p>In the introductory chapter the structure and ideology of the book are examined. Chapter 1 then examines some of the ways in which the theology of Deuteronomy has been understood namely in terms of centralization secularization and demythologization. Chapters 2-5 evaluate key texts that are used to support the idea that centralization secularization and demythologization are at the heart of the theology of Deuteronomy. An alternative reading of the texts is presented that highlights the supremacy of Yahweh and Torah. The final chapter investigates the theological and ideological implications of this alternative reading of key texts.</p>