Opening Up Deuteronomy

In some ways you could argue that the book of Deuteronomy is not a book for the 21st century. You would have to change the title for a start. Second giving of the law isn t likely to fill too many people with eagerness and excitement. After all, laws aren t very popular, and, as we see with television, neither are repeats. So getting people enthusiastic about a book that is all about laws and that covers some of the same ground as the book of Exodus looks like being a hard sell. Looked at from another point of view, though, it is a book whose time has come. Lawlessness and moral relativism don t lead to happiness. Understanding the law of Moses and its relevance for today really can! It s a book that the 21st century needs even if all too few realize it.