Daniel Block's "Other Religions in OT Theology"

Block, Daniel I. "Other Religions in Old Testament Theology." In Biblical Faith and Other Religions: An Evangelical Assessment, ed. David W. Baker, 43-78. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregal, 2004.

Block's analysis of OT scripture leads him to conclude that the OT has three descriptions/responses to other religions. He examines the subject under three headings:

Yahwistic parallels to pagan religious ideas and practices
• Shared beliefs
• Shared practices

Yahwistic exploitation of pagan religious ideas and practices
• Yahweh's exploitation of pagan practices
• Yahweh's exploitation of pagan perceptions
• Yahweh's exploitation of roles attributed to pagan gods
• Yahweh's exploitation of divine epithets

Yahwistic repudiation of pagan religious ideas and practices
• Pejorative designations for idols and the gods they represent
• Explicit prohibitions of idolatry and the worship of other gods
• Hostile actions against idols and idolaters
• Polemic portrayals of idols and idolaters

Block's conclusion synthesizes the points and leads us to note that unlike the other nations,

i) nature and knowledge of their God
ii) the cause of the divine offense
iii) the means of salvation and grace

clearly and publicly made known and reiterated to his people.

This portrayal of Yahweh and his relationship with his people is privileged knowledge and a gift, which the nations are in envy of.

Block ends that God's people should never lose sight of these facts - we should be grateful and respond in grateful and obedient hears and responsible behaviour!