Why Is The Old Testament Important To Both Jews And Christians?

"The Old Testament is first and foremost a collection of religious books, created by faith and addressed to persons who share that faith. Its basic premise is the reality of the living God of creation and history, and its primary aim is to expose the active purpose of God at work within the world" (West, Introduction to the Old Testament, 3). <Tab/> The Jewish religion is based around the scriptures of the …

…share the same heritage. The only difference being that Christians believe that Jesus Christ, who was in turn a Jew, was the Messiah. The Old Testament is part of the heritage shared by both religions, and is no more important to one than it is to the other. <Tab/>The Old Testament was "written for the generation to come; that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD." (Psalm 102:18)