Q&A: Is It Permissible to Burn a New Testament
Is It Permissible to Burn a New Testament
Question
Rabbi Michael,
When I was reviewing the Torah portion of Vayetze, I thought there might be some support for what you write regarding the question of whether it is permissible (or even obligatory) or forbidden to burn a New Testament book (a book with pages).
If we say, as Rashi does, that the terafim were idolatry, and if it was permissible to take them and burn them, then why did Jacob allow Laban to search for them? And furthermore, why did he curse and sentence to death whoever had taken them?
There are ways to answer this, but on the simple level, Jacob acted patiently toward others, even though they worshipped idolatry. And also at the end of the portion, each one makes the other swear by his own god.
Have a peaceful Sabbath
Answer
Indeed, but before the giving of the Torah there was not yet really Jewish law, so it is hard to bring proofs from there. For example, one can always say that it was by divine command (as with Jacob, who married two sisters).
Have a peaceful Sabbath