Since every single kosher copy of the Torah and Prophets has been written in accordance with minute regulations found only in the Oral Law, the idea that the Written is "more perfect" than the Oral is false on its face.
“he idea that the Written is “more perfect” than the Oral is false on its face.”
True and yet also false.
The Talmud, as we know it today, is no exactly the Oral Law, which I agree is also perfect.
For one, the Talmud is incomplete and does not include the entirety of the Oral Law.
For two, the copies of the Talmud we have are slightly inconsistent in given passages and conflict. There appear to be additions and opinions added and it is difficult to discern what is the scribe’s opinion (or opinion of another) compared to the actual Oral Law.
The Torah, while incomplete without the Oral Law, does not have the above difficulties.
About 20 years ago, I made the mistake of trying to read the Talmud without a guide (or even a group of serious men) to help me. I was an MIT engineer, a fighter pilot, and damn smart, I thought. I can figure this out. Not so. I became very lost for a time.
Thank you, ZC. Have a good weekend.