A review by theologiaviatorum
On the Two Ways: Life or Death, Light or Darkness: Foundational Texts in the Tradition by John Behr

informative medium-paced

4.0

Even before Christ there was a tradition of Two Ways we may walk in life, likely inspired by Moses’ challenge. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil” (Deu. 30:15). On the Two Ways by Alistair Stewart follows this tradition from Judaism and the Community Rule/Manual of Discipline of the Dead Sea community through the first 500 years of Christianity. This includes discussion of the Didache—otherwise known as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles—the Epistle of Barnabas, and even the Rule of St. Benedict. The use of the Two Ways Tradition seems to have been catechetical, that is, part of the instruction that was preparation for baptism. The Didache says, “When you have said all these things beforehand, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (7.1). This is fascinating because the Two Ways is entirely ethical. We often think of preparation for baptism to be about making sure we believe the right things. Ancient catechesis, however, was primarily concerned with whether the catechumen would embody the life and values of the community. The ethics delivered “beforehand” includes such things as loving God and neighbor, loving your enemies, and not aborting children or exposing them after birth. It also includes instruction against minor foibles which threaten to become greater sins. According to the Didache, even false prophets were identified primarily by their ethics, not their theology. It would be a gift to the Church and the World if this primacy of ethics would return to the Church. Until the World can see the difference Jesus makes in our lives they will not care one wit about our theology.