Meaning: The quote "So long as the New Testament served to decipher the Old, it was taken as an absolute norm" by Paul Ricoeur, a French philosopher, reflects the relationship between the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible, as well as the evolving interpretations of these texts over time. In order to understand this quote, it is important to delve into the historical, religious, and philosophical contexts that underpin it.

The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is a collection of religious texts central to Judaism and also considered sacred by Christians. It contains a wide range of literary genres, including history, law, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom literature. The New Testament, on the other hand, is specifically Christian scripture, consisting of the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. It focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian Church.

Ricoeur's quote suggests that the New Testament played a crucial role in interpreting and making sense of the Old Testament. This is in line with the Christian belief that Jesus Christ, as the central figure of the New Testament, fulfilled and completed the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. In this sense, the New Testament served as a lens through which the Old Testament could be understood and interpreted. This interpretation implies that the New Testament provided a framework for understanding the moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings of the Old Testament.

The idea of the New Testament serving as an "absolute norm" for deciphering the Old Testament reflects the authority and influence attributed to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian Church. Throughout history, the Christian tradition has emphasized the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament in the person and teachings of Jesus. This perspective has shaped theological interpretations, ethical frameworks, and the understanding of God's covenant with humanity.

Ricoeur's quote also points to the dynamic nature of religious interpretation. As societies and cultures evolve, so do the ways in which religious texts are understood and applied. In the context of the quote, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments is not static but rather subject to ongoing interpretation and reinterpretation. This recognition of the evolving nature of interpretation aligns with Ricoeur's broader philosophical work on hermeneutics, which emphasizes the importance of understanding texts within their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts.

Moreover, the quote invites consideration of the implications of interpreting religious texts as absolute norms. The concept of an "absolute norm" suggests a standard or principle that is regarded as universally valid and binding. In the context of religious interpretation, this raises questions about the authority of the New Testament in shaping beliefs and practices, as well as the potential for different interpretations to coexist within religious communities.

In conclusion, Paul Ricoeur's quote captures the intricate relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the evolving nature of religious interpretation, and the concept of absolute norms within the Christian tradition. It invites reflection on the role of the New Testament in deciphering the Old, and the ongoing significance of these texts in shaping religious beliefs and practices. Ricoeur's philosophical insights into hermeneutics and the interpretation of religious texts provide a rich framework for exploring the complex dynamics at play in understanding sacred scriptures.