It's all they have...they have a physical bible...and an ego...and no humility.
You meant you have a physical bible, experiences and divine visitations and a huge ego-right?
Rabbinical writings do not explicitly state "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life," but similar themes can be found in Jewish literature, particularly in the discussions about the nature of the Torah, the role of intention, and the Spirit in fulfilling the Law.
Rabbinical Writings and Themes:
The Nature of the Torah:
Rabbinical Emphasis on the Life-Giving Nature of Torah:
The Torah is often described in Rabbinical literature as life-giving and a source of wisdom. For instance, the Mishnah, in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 6:1, says: "Rabbi Meir says: Whoever occupies himself with the Torah for its own sake merits many things; furthermore, the entire world is worthwhile for his sake. He is called a friend, beloved; loves God, loves mankind; pleases God, pleases mankind. And it clothes him in humility and reverence; it prepares him to be righteous, pious, upright, and faithful; and it keeps him far from sin, and brings him near to merit."
Intention and Spirit in the Law:
Kavanah (Intention) in Observance:
Rabbinical thought emphasizes the importance of kavanah (intention) in the performance of mitzvot (commandments). In the Talmud, Berachot 13a, it states: "R. Judah said in the name of Rab: A person should always engage in Torah and the commandments even if it is not for their own sake, for out of engaging in them not for their own sake, he will ultimately come to engage in them for their own sake."
This highlights that the spirit or intention behind the observance of the Law is crucial for it to be life-giving and meaningful.
Spirit of the Law vs. Letter of the Law:
Balancing Strict Adherence and Compassion:
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) discusses the principle of lifnim mishurat hadin (beyond the letter of the law), where it encourages acting with mercy and compassion beyond strict legal requirements: "Our Rabbis taught: Justice, justice shalt thou follow (Deuteronomy 16:20): one [form of justice] in strict law, the other in compromise."
This suggests a balance between the literal observance of the law and the compassionate, spirit-led application.
Themes Resonating with "The Letter Kills, But the Spirit Gives Life":
The Torah as Life-Giving:
While Paul contrasts the "letter" (the Law) with the "Spirit," Rabbinical literature often emphasizes that the Torah itself is life-giving when understood and practiced with the right intention and spirit. The life-giving nature of the Torah is a common theme, as seen in Proverbs 3:18, which is often cited: "She [the Torah] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed."
The Danger of Legalism:
There is an implicit acknowledgment in Rabbinical writings that a purely legalistic approach to the Torah can be detrimental. The Talmud (Pesachim 50b) notes, "Rabbi Simlai taught: One should always be cunning in the fear of God, answering softly, and increasing peace with his brethren, and with his relatives, and with every man, even with the Gentile in the street, so that he should be beloved above and pleasant below, acceptable to all his fellowmen."
This suggests that mere literal adherence without the right spirit can lead to undesirable outcomes.
Conclusion:
While Rabbinical literature does not explicitly phrase "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life," it contains themes that resonate with Paul's teaching. The Torah is viewed as life-giving, and the importance of intention (kavanah) and the spirit in observing the Law is emphasized. Rabbinical writings recognize the potential pitfalls of a purely legalistic approach and advocate for a balance between the letter of the Law and its compassionate, spirit-led application.
Not that I believe these Sages but your "quotation" doesn't mean we shouldn't STUDY the Scriptures-it is binding on us TO study the Scriptures for where else would you find truth in this Age of Enlightment?
