3 We have been called “people of the book” which is partially true. One book is the centerpiece of our existence. However the more true title would be “the people of the discussion about the book”. The Torah is not a reference book or an answer book. It is a teaching book. Good teaching requires class participation. When people discuss matters passionately, subtle distinctions are clarified and deep concepts are internalized. The Talmud is an all-time chat room of sorts and we are participating in a discussion with the finest minds from differing times on the most important topics. If the Torah had no Oral Torah component it would sit on the shelf, cold and remote gathering dust. Instead it is alive and stimulating discussion groups even as we speak.
See the Symphony
Posted on February 24, 2017 (5777) By Rabbi Label Lam
http://torah.org/torah-portion/dvartorah-5777-mishpatim/
Thank you for sharing, as a Christian we need to study the Torah as well. We need to stick together and rejoice in The Divine Master of the Universe. When I was growing up I had the privilege to have many lunches with a wonderful Rabbi who taught me many things... I cherish those times.
At the same time Torah in its Holiness inspires debate, discussion, a sense of perspective, respect, therefore community, diversity of thought, and therefore freedom. In fine: we are from the book.