Formal model

Hermeneutical dependency

Every conclusion rests on texts, on in-between steps and on a tradition’s reading principles. This page records those dependencies explicitly, so you can see what a doctrine actually relies on — and what follows when any part of it is rejected.

01

The objects

Thesis

A claim reported from a text or established from evidence.

Lemma

An in-between step an argument needs, recorded so it can be examined and disputed.

Parent claim

A broader conclusion built from theses and lemmas. Traditions most often disagree here.

Position

One tradition’s answer to a research question, recorded with the derivations it rests on so that rival positions can be tested the same way.

Derivation

One independent way of arriving at a claim: its premises, each necessary or supporting, and the reading principles it requires or is strengthened by. A claim may have several.

Tradition axiom

A reading principle — typology, Torah permanence, an open canon — with each tradition’s recorded stance.

Counter-model

A serious rival reading, credited to whoever holds it, with the principles it relies on and the ones it denies.

Dependency types: premise, lemma, argument by contrast, interpretive step, evidence.

02 · Exact semantics

How rejection spreads

  • Derivations are alternatives (OR). A claim holds while at least one of its derivations holds. A conclusion with two independent arguments is still supported after losing one; its support is weakened.
  • Within a derivation, requirements are joint (AND). Every necessary premise and every required principle must hold. Supporting premises and strengthening principles never defeat a derivation; when they fail, the claim’s support is weakened.
  • Reports are not conclusions. “Hebrews says X” stands on Hebrews. When the argument that makes X a supported reading does not hold, the report keeps its standing and the reading is only partially supported — and a derivation that needs X as a supported reading, not merely the report, is not established either.
  • Circles prove nothing. Evaluation is a least fixed point: claims supported only by one another are never established.
  • Map connections stay grounded while any grounding claim holds.
  • Disagreement is never resolved by the engine. Counter-models are shown as consistent with what was set aside, or as not established under the selected assumptions, on both sides.

These semantics correct the published model, which propagated rejection edge by edge: a conclusion with two independent arguments was marked as failing when either failed, and a map edge lost its grounding when one of two grounding claims did. The test suite pins the difference against responses captured from the published service.

03 · Dependency Explorer

Rejection analysis

Rejected AM-AX-002, AM-AX-004, AM-CLAIM-000189. 0 not established under the selected assumptions, 0 partially supported, 5 with support weakened; 0 map connections not established, 5 with support weakened. No source was changed.

ResetAs JSON
Reading principles

Reject an assumption to see what rests on it.

AM-AX-001Apostolic exegesis is authoritativeCanonical ChristianAM-AX-002Figures prefigure fulfilmentTypological (Patristic, Catholic, Orthodox)AM-AX-003One covenant of graceReformed covenant theologyAM-AX-004Israel and the church remain distinctDispensationalAM-AX-005Torah is eternal and unabrogatedRabbinic JudaismAM-AX-006Original context precedes receptionHistorical-criticalAM-AX-007The Oral Torah is authoritativeRabbinic JudaismAM-AX-008The Qurʾān is the final, authoritative revelationSunni and Shiʿi IslamAM-AX-009Earlier scriptures as transmitted are not wholly reliableSunni and Shiʿi IslamAM-AX-010Genesis as received is an authoritative covenant charterJewish and Christian traditionsAM-AX-011Continuing revelation and an open canonLatter-day SaintAM-AX-012Apostolic succession transmits authorityCatholic and Eastern OrthodoxAM-AX-013Scripture alone is the final ruleProtestant

A lens removes the principles a tradition rejects or sets aside. Principles it does not address stay in place.

Rejected claims
AM-CLAIM-000189Restore

Dependency graph

Arrows run from what a claim rests on to the claim. Solid: necessary or required. Dashed: supporting or strengthening. Select a box to inspect it; use Tab and Enter to move through the graph.

AM-AX-001, Supported under selected assumptions: Apostolic exegesis is authoritative — Canonical ChristianAXIOM 001Apostolic exegesis isauthoritativeAM-AX-002, Set aside in this simulation: Figures prefigure fulfilment — Typological (Patristic, Catholic, Orthodox)AXIOM 002 · SET ASIDEFigures prefigure fulfilmentAM-AX-003, Supported under selected assumptions: One covenant of grace — Reformed covenant theologyAXIOM 003One covenant of graceAM-AX-004, Set aside in this simulation: Israel and the church remain distinct — DispensationalAXIOM 004 · SET ASIDEIsrael and the church remaindistinctAM-AX-005, Supported under selected assumptions: Torah is eternal and unabrogated — Rabbinic JudaismAXIOM 005Torah is eternal andunabrogatedAM-AX-006, Supported under selected assumptions: Original context precedes reception — Historical-criticalAXIOM 006Original context precedesreceptionAM-AX-007, Supported under selected assumptions: The Oral Torah is authoritative — Rabbinic JudaismAXIOM 007The Oral Torah isauthoritativeAM-AX-008, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān is the final, authoritative revelation — Sunni and Shiʿi IslamAXIOM 008The Qurʾān is the final,authoritative revelationAM-AX-009, Supported under selected assumptions: Earlier scriptures as transmitted are not wholly reliable — Sunni and Shiʿi IslamAXIOM 009Earlier scriptures astransmitted are not wholly…AM-AX-010, Supported under selected assumptions: Genesis as received is an authoritative covenant charter — Jewish and Christian traditionsAXIOM 010Genesis as received is anauthoritative covenant charterAM-AX-011, Supported under selected assumptions: Continuing revelation and an open canon — Latter-day SaintAXIOM 011Continuing revelation and anopen canonAM-AX-012, Supported under selected assumptions: Apostolic succession transmits authority — Catholic and Eastern OrthodoxAXIOM 012Apostolic succession transmitsauthorityAM-AX-013, Supported under selected assumptions: Scripture alone is the final rule — ProtestantAXIOM 013Scripture alone is the finalruleAM-CLAIM-000189, Set aside in this simulation: Hebrews reads the silence of Genesis 14 about Melchizedek's genealogy as significant: "without father or mother… resembling the Son of God."CLAIM 189 · SET ASIDEHebrews reads the silence ofGenesis 14 about Melchizedek'…AM-CLAIM-000187, Supported under selected assumptions: Genesis presents an unconditional promise to Abraham of descendants, land and blessing to the nations.CLAIM 187Genesis presents anunconditional promise to…AM-CLAIM-000188, Supported under selected assumptions: The Sinai covenant establishes a hereditary Levitical priesthood tied to sacrificial service.CLAIM 188The Sinai covenant establishesa hereditary Levitical…AM-CLAIM-000192, Supported under selected assumptions: Hebrews says that in speaking of a new covenant God has made the first one old, and that what is growing old is ready to vanish.CLAIM 192Hebrews says that in speakingof a new covenant God has mad…AM-CLAIM-000193, Supported under selected assumptions: Hebrews contrasts the many Levitical priests, prevented by death from continuing in office, with Jesus, who holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever.CLAIM 193Hebrews contrasts the manyLevitical priests, prevented…AM-CLAIM-000194, Supported under selected assumptions: The adjective ἀπαράβατος in Hebrews 7:24 is glossed by the standard lexica as “permanent, unchangeable”; the sense “not passing to another” is argued from the contrast with succession in 7:23.CLAIM 194The adjective ἀπαράβατος inHebrews 7:24 is glossed by th…AM-CLAIM-000195, Supported under selected assumptions: In the Masoretic Text, Jeremiah 33:17–18 promises that the Levitical priests will never lack a man to offer sacrifices; the passage (33:14–26) is absent from the Septuagint.CLAIM 195In the Masoretic Text,Jeremiah 33:17–18 promises…AM-CLAIM-000196, Supported under selected assumptions: Numbers grants Phinehas and his descendants “a covenant of perpetual priesthood”.CLAIM 196Numbers grants Phinehas andhis descendants “a covenant o…AM-CLAIM-000198, Supported under selected assumptions: Lumen Gentium 10 teaches that the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood differ in essence and not only in degree, while each in its own way shares in the one priesthood of Christ.CLAIM 198Lumen Gentium 10 teaches thatthe common priesthood of the…AM-CLAIM-000200, Supported under selected assumptions: 1 Peter and Revelation call the community of believers a priesthood: “a royal priesthood” and “priests to God”.CLAIM 2001 Peter and Revelation callthe community of believers a…AM-CLAIM-000201, Supported under selected assumptions: In To the Christian Nobility (1520), Luther argues that all baptized Christians belong to the spiritual estate and are consecrated priests.CLAIM 201In To the Christian Nobility(1520), Luther argues that al…AM-CLAIM-000203, Supported under selected assumptions: The Council of Trent (Session 23, 1563) teaches that the New Testament has a visible and external priesthood, instituted by Christ and conferred in the sacrament of order.CLAIM 203The Council of Trent (Session23, 1563) teaches that the Ne…AM-CLAIM-000210, Supported under selected assumptions: Deuteronomy commands that nothing be added to, or taken away from, the commandments it gives.CLAIM 210Deuteronomy commands thatnothing be added to, or taken…AM-CLAIM-000211, Supported under selected assumptions: Several Pentateuchal commandments are designated “a statute forever” (ḥuqqat ʿôlām), among them Passover, the Day of Atonement and the Aaronide priesthood.CLAIM 211Several Pentateuchalcommandments are designated “…AM-CLAIM-000212, Supported under selected assumptions: Deuteronomy says the commandment “is not in heaven”: it is near, in the mouth and the heart, to be done.CLAIM 212Deuteronomy says thecommandment “is not in…AM-CLAIM-000213, Supported under selected assumptions: The Babylonian Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) applies “it is not in heaven” to rule that a heavenly voice cannot decide a question of law: the decision rests with the sages, by majority.CLAIM 213The Babylonian Talmud (BavaMetzia 59b) applies “it is no…AM-CLAIM-000214, Supported under selected assumptions: The Talmud reads “These are the commandments” (Leviticus 27:34) to teach that from then on no prophet may introduce anything new.CLAIM 214The Talmud reads “These arethe commandments” (Leviticus…AM-CLAIM-000215, Supported under selected assumptions: Maimonides rules that the Torah’s commandments stand forever, so that a prophet who claims to add or abrogate a commandment is a false prophet; he counts the Torah’s immutability among the thirteen principles of faith.CLAIM 215Maimonides rules that theTorah’s commandments stand…AM-CLAIM-000216, Supported under selected assumptions: Rabbinic law allows a recognised prophet to suspend a commandment temporarily, for the need of the hour (horāʾat shāʿāh), citing Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel; it does not allow permanent abrogation.CLAIM 216Rabbinic law allows arecognised prophet to suspend…AM-CLAIM-000218, Supported under selected assumptions: In ḥuqqat ʿôlām the noun ʿôlām denotes perpetuity; its range also covers “a long, indefinite time”, and rabbinic exegesis itself reads it as limited in at least one case.CLAIM 218In ḥuqqat ʿôlām the noun ʿôlāmdenotes perpetuity; its range…AM-CLAIM-000220, Supported under selected assumptions: Paul calls the law a guardian (paidagōgos) until Christ, and says that after faith has come believers are no longer under it.CLAIM 220Paul calls the law a guardian(paidagōgos) until Christ, an…AM-CLAIM-000222, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān has ʿĪsā say that he comes confirming the Torah before him and making lawful some of what had been forbidden.CLAIM 222The Qurʾān has ʿĪsā say thathe comes confirming the Torah…AM-CLAIM-000223, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān describes the unlettered prophet as one who makes lawful the good things, forbids the foul, and lifts the burdens and shackles that were upon those who follow him.CLAIM 223The Qurʾān describes theunlettered prophet as one who…AM-CLAIM-000224, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān says that to each community God has appointed a law and a way (shirʿa wa-minhāj).CLAIM 224The Qurʾān says that to eachcommunity God has appointed a…AM-CLAIM-000226, Supported under selected assumptions: In the Book of Mormon, the risen Jesus tells the people that the law given to Moses is fulfilled in him and therefore has an end.CLAIM 226In the Book of Mormon, therisen Jesus tells the people…AM-CLAIM-000228, Supported under selected assumptions: Paul’s statement that Christ is the τέλος of the law (Romans 10:4) can be read as its end (termination) or its goal (fulfilment); both senses are attested for the word.CLAIM 228Paul’s statement that Christis the τέλος of the law…AM-CLAIM-000230, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān says Ibrāhīm was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a ḥanīf, a muslim (one who submits), and not one of the polytheists.CLAIM 230The Qurʾān says Ibrāhīm wasneither a Jew nor a Christian…AM-CLAIM-000231, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān presents Ibrāhīm and Ismāʿīl raising the foundations of the House and praying that a messenger be sent from among their descendants.CLAIM 231The Qurʾān presents Ibrāhīmand Ismāʿīl raising the…AM-CLAIM-000232, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān instructs the Prophet to follow the religion (milla) of Ibrāhīm, the ḥanīf, who was not of the polytheists.CLAIM 232The Qurʾān instructs theProphet to follow the religio…AM-CLAIM-000233, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān says the people with the best claim to Ibrāhīm are those who followed him, this Prophet, and those who believe.CLAIM 233The Qurʾān says the peoplewith the best claim to Ibrāhī…AM-CLAIM-000234, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān says God made Ibrāhīm a leader (imām) for humankind and, when he asked about his descendants, answered that the covenant does not extend to wrongdoers.CLAIM 234The Qurʾān says God madeIbrāhīm a leader (imām) for…AM-CLAIM-000235, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān places the revelation to Muhammad in one line with revelation to Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Ismāʿīl, Isḥāq, Yaʿqūb, the Tribes, ʿĪsā and others, and says believers make no distinction between any of them.CLAIM 235The Qurʾān places therevelation to Muhammad in one…AM-CLAIM-000236, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān describes itself as confirming the scripture before it and as muhaymin over it.CLAIM 236The Qurʾān describes itself asconfirming the scripture…AM-CLAIM-000237, Supported under selected assumptions: Classical exegetes gloss muhaymin variously as “witness”, “trustee” and “guardian” over earlier scripture; the stronger sense of an authority that judges it is the basis of the Qurʾān’s precedence in Islamic teaching.CLAIM 237Classical exegetes glossmuhaymin variously as…AM-CLAIM-000238, Supported under selected assumptions: The Qurʾān calls Muhammad “the Messenger of God and the seal of the prophets” (khātam al-nabiyyīn).CLAIM 238The Qurʾān calls Muhammad “theMessenger of God and the seal…AM-CLAIM-000242, Supported under selected assumptions: Genesis says God will establish his covenant with Isaac, while Ishmael is blessed and will become a great nation.CLAIM 242Genesis says God willestablish his covenant with…AM-CLAIM-000243, Supported under selected assumptions: In Genesis, God tells Abraham to offer “your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac”.CLAIM 243In Genesis, God tells Abrahamto offer “your son, your only…AM-CLAIM-000244, Supported under selected assumptions: Paul writes that those who are of faith are the children of Abraham, and that those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring.CLAIM 244Paul writes that those who areof faith are the children of…AM-CLAIM-000245, Supported under selected assumptions: Rabbinic law allows a convert to call Abraham “our father”, since Abraham is “the father of a multitude of nations”; Maimonides rules the same in his letter to Obadiah the Proselyte.CLAIM 245Rabbinic law allows a convertto call Abraham “our father”…AM-CLAIM-000260, Supported under selected assumptions: Doctrine and Covenants 13 presents John the Baptist conferring the Priesthood of Aaron on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.CLAIM 260Doctrine and Covenants 13presents John the Baptist…AM-CLAIM-000261, Supported under selected assumptions: Doctrine and Covenants 27 says Peter, James and John ordained Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery apostles; section 128 recalls their voice declaring the keys of the kingdom.CLAIM 261Doctrine and Covenants 27 saysPeter, James and John ordaine…AM-CLAIM-000264, Supported under selected assumptions: Doctrine and Covenants 107 names two priesthoods, the Melchizedek and the Aaronic, and explains that the higher is called after Melchizedek to avoid too frequent repetition of the name of the Supreme Being.CLAIM 264Doctrine and Covenants 107names two priesthoods, the…AM-CLAIM-000265, Supported under selected assumptions: Doctrine and Covenants 84 traces a priesthood lineage in which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek.CLAIM 265Doctrine and Covenants 84traces a priesthood lineage i…AM-CLAIM-000266, Supported under selected assumptions: The Book of Mormon presents Melchizedek as a high priest and king of Salem, and speaks of high priests ordained “after the order of his Son”.CLAIM 266The Book of Mormon presentsMelchizedek as a high priest…AM-CLAIM-000268, Supported under selected assumptions: Latter-day Saint scripture records Joseph Smith being told that the churches of his day were all wrong, and declares that people had strayed from God’s ordinances and broken his everlasting covenant.CLAIM 268Latter-day Saint scripturerecords Joseph Smith being…AM-CLAIM-000271, Supported under selected assumptions: In Matthew, Jesus says he will build his church on “this rock” and that the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.CLAIM 271In Matthew, Jesus says he willbuild his church on “this…AM-CLAIM-000272, Supported under selected assumptions: 1 Clement says the apostles appointed bishops and deacons and gave instructions that, when these died, other approved men should succeed to their ministry.CLAIM 2721 Clement says the apostlesappointed bishops and deacons…AM-CLAIM-000273, Supported under selected assumptions: Irenaeus appeals to the succession of bishops in the churches founded by apostles, listing the bishops of Rome, as the guarantee of apostolic teaching.CLAIM 273Irenaeus appeals to thesuccession of bishops in the…AM-CLAIM-000185, Supported under selected assumptions: Jeremiah announces a new covenant that is not like the covenant made at Sinai.CLAIM 185Jeremiah announces a newcovenant that is not like the…AM-CLAIM-000190, Supported under selected assumptions: Hebrews argues that a change of priesthood necessarily entails a change of law.CLAIM 190Hebrews argues that a changeof priesthood necessarily…AM-CLAIM-000186, Supported under selected assumptions: Psalm 110 addresses a figure who is declared a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.CLAIM 186Psalm 110 addresses a figurewho is declared a priest…AM-CLAIM-000197, Support weakened: The Levitical priesthood is suspended by the loss of the Temple, not superseded: no later priesthood abrogates the Torah’s priestly order.CLAIM 197 · POSITION · SUPPORT WEAKENEDThe Levitical priesthood issuspended by the loss of the…AM-CLAIM-000219, Supported under selected assumptions: The commandments given at Sinai are permanent: no later prophet or revelation may abrogate them, and the authority to interpret and safeguard them operates within the Torah.CLAIM 219 · POSITIONThe commandments given atSinai are permanent: no later…AM-CLAIM-000225, Supported under selected assumptions: God gives each community a law; later revelation may lift or modify earlier precepts, and Muslims are bound by the law revealed to Muhammad.CLAIM 225 · POSITIONGod gives each community alaw; later revelation may lif…AM-CLAIM-000227, Supported under selected assumptions: The law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ and its performances ended, while the covenant God made with Israel continues through the restored gospel.CLAIM 227 · POSITIONThe law of Moses was fulfilledin Christ and its performance…AM-CLAIM-000246, Supported under selected assumptions: The heirs of Ibrāhīm are those who follow his religion, and the message given to Muhammad restores the religion of Ibrāhīm (millat Ibrāhīm), confirming and safeguarding earlier revelation.CLAIM 246 · POSITIONThe heirs of Ibrāhīm are thosewho follow his religion, and…AM-CLAIM-000248, Supported under selected assumptions: Abraham’s heirs are those who share his faith, whatever their descent; the promise is fulfilled in Christ.CLAIM 248 · POSITIONAbraham’s heirs are those whoshare his faith, whatever…AM-CLAIM-000249, Supported under selected assumptions: Muhammad is the last of the prophets: prophethood ends with him, and no revelation after the Qurʾān is binding.CLAIM 249 · POSITIONMuhammad is the last of theprophets: prophethood ends…AM-CLAIM-000247, Supported under selected assumptions: God’s covenant with Abraham passes through Isaac and Jacob to Israel; those who join Israel become children of Abraham, but the covenant line itself is not defined by belief alone.CLAIM 247 · POSITIONGod’s covenant with Abrahampasses through Isaac and Jaco…AM-CLAIM-000269, Supported under selected assumptions: After the deaths of the apostles, priesthood authority was lost from the earth (the Great Apostasy), so that it had to be restored.CLAIM 269After the deaths of theapostles, priesthood authorit…AM-CLAIM-000274, Supported under selected assumptions: Apostolic authority has continued without interruption through the succession of bishops; no general loss of authority occurred, so none needed restoring.CLAIM 274 · POSITIONApostolic authority hascontinued without interruptio…AM-CLAIM-000184, Support weakened: Hebrews identifies Jesus as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.CLAIM 184 · SUPPORT WEAKENEDHebrews identifies Jesus asHigh Priest according to the…AM-CLAIM-000221, Supported under selected assumptions: The Sinai covenant is fulfilled in Christ: its moral law endures, but its ceremonial provisions no longer bind those in the new covenant.CLAIM 221 · POSITIONThe Sinai covenant isfulfilled in Christ: its mora…AM-CLAIM-000270, Supported under selected assumptions: Priesthood authority was restored by angelic conferral — the Aaronic by John the Baptist, the Melchizedek by Peter, James and John — and is transmitted by ordination from that restoration.CLAIM 270 · POSITIONPriesthood authority wasrestored by angelic conferral…AM-CLAIM-000202, Support weakened: Christ alone holds the Melchizedekian priesthood, permanently; all believers share a common priesthood, and no sacrificing priesthood is transmitted to ministers.CLAIM 202 · POSITION · SUPPORT WEAKENEDChrist alone holds theMelchizedekian priesthood…AM-CLAIM-000199, Support weakened: The ministerial priesthood of bishops and priests participates in the one priesthood of Christ and is conferred by sacramental ordination.CLAIM 199 · POSITION · SUPPORT WEAKENEDThe ministerial priesthood ofbishops and priests…AM-CLAIM-000191, Support weakened: The Melchizedekian priesthood of Christ supersedes the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial order.CLAIM 191 · SUPPORT WEAKENEDThe Melchizedekian priesthoodof Christ supersedes the…

What follows

  • Set aside in this simulationvia AM-CLAIM-000189

    Hebrews reads the silence of Genesis 14 about Melchizedek's genealogy as significant: "without father or mother… resembling the Son of God."

    • Set aside directly in this simulation.
  • Support weakenedvia AM-CLAIM-000189 → AM-CLAIM-000184

    Hebrews identifies Jesus as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

    • Supporting premise AM-CLAIM-000189 is set aside.
    • AM-DRV-0001 “Hebrews’ priestly argument (Hebrews 5–8)” still holds.
    • The cited text still says this; its standing as a report is unaffected.
  • Support weakenedvia AM-AX-002 → AM-CLAIM-000191

    The Melchizedekian priesthood of Christ supersedes the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial order.

    • AM-DRV-0006 “Priesthood argument (Hebrews 7)” is not established: it requires AM-AX-002 (Figures prefigure fulfilment), which is set aside.
    • AM-DRV-0007 “Covenant argument (Hebrews 8)” still holds.
  • Support weakenedvia AM-AX-004 → AM-CLAIM-000197

    The Levitical priesthood is suspended by the loss of the Temple, not superseded: no later priesthood abrogates the Torah’s priestly order.

    • AM-DRV-0009 “The prophetic promise of continued Levitical service” is not established: it requires AM-AX-004 (Israel and the church remain distinct), which is set aside.
    • AM-DRV-0008 “The Torah’s priestly order is perpetual” still holds.
  • Support weakenedvia AM-CLAIM-000189 → AM-CLAIM-000184 → AM-CLAIM-000199

    The ministerial priesthood of bishops and priests participates in the one priesthood of Christ and is conferred by sacramental ordination.

    • Necessary premise AM-CLAIM-000184 still holds but is less well supported.
    • AM-DRV-0010 “Participation in Christ’s one priesthood” still holds.
  • Support weakenedvia AM-CLAIM-000189 → AM-CLAIM-000184 → AM-CLAIM-000202

    Christ alone holds the Melchizedekian priesthood, permanently; all believers share a common priesthood, and no sacrificing priesthood is transmitted to ministers.

    • Necessary premise AM-CLAIM-000184 still holds but is less well supported.
    • AM-DRV-0011 “Christ’s unique priesthood and the priesthood of believers” still holds.

Covenant Map and Doctrine Graph

  • AM-COV-0006 Support weakened Prophetic promise → New Covenant

    Still grounded by AM-CLAIM-000185, AM-CLAIM-000192.

  • AM-COV-0008 Support weakened Prophetic promise → Messianic restoration

    Still grounded by AM-CLAIM-000195.

  • AM-DOC-0003 Support weakened Jesus Christ → High Priest

    Still grounded by AM-CLAIM-000184.

  • AM-DOC-0004 Support weakened High Priest → Melchizedek

    Still grounded by AM-CLAIM-000186.

  • AM-DOC-0027 Support weakened Priesthood → Priesthood of all believers

    Still grounded by AM-CLAIM-000200.

Rival readings

Setting an assumption aside does not settle a dispute. Counter-models that also deny it are shown as consistent with what was set aside; those that need it, as not established under the selected assumptions.

  • AM-CM-002 Not established under selected assumptions Israel-specific new covenant — Dispensational and post-supersessionist readings

    Needs AM-AX-004.

  • AM-CM-003 Consistent with what was set aside Rhetorical silence — Historical-critical scholarship

    Also denies AM-AX-002.

04 · Console

Proof inspector

The same engine, by command. Try reject AX-2, then inspect 191.

AbrahamMoses proof inspector · read-only · AND/OR semantics Record version f79c70d2ef22dde1. Type "help".

05 · 13 axioms

Reading principles

AM-AX-001Canonical ChristianProvisionalstances provisional

Apostolic exegesis is authoritative

New Testament authors' readings of the Hebrew Bible are normative interpretations, not merely historical reception.

Grounds the use of Hebrews' reading of Psalm 110 and Genesis 14 as determinative of their meaning.

Holds: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational · Qualifies: Latter-day Saint · Rejects: Rabbinic Judaism, Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000184 (strengthens), AM-CLAIM-000191 (required), AM-CLAIM-000191 (required), AM-CLAIM-000199 (required), AM-CLAIM-000202 (required), AM-CLAIM-000221 (required), AM-CLAIM-000248 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-002Typological (Patristic, Catholic, Orthodox)Provisionalstances provisional

Figures prefigure fulfilment

Persons, institutions and events in earlier scripture can foreshadow later realities beyond their authors' horizon.

Licenses reading Melchizedek and the Levitical cult as types of Christ.

Holds: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Latter-day Saint · Qualifies: Dispensational, Rabbinic Judaism · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000189 (required), AM-CLAIM-000191 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-003Reformed covenant theologyProvisionalstances provisional

One covenant of grace

The biblical covenants are successive administrations of a single covenant of grace; the new covenant fulfils rather than cancels the old.

Frames the priesthood change as fulfilment within continuity.

Holds: Reformed · Rejects: Dispensational · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000191 (strengthens) · reject it

AM-AX-004DispensationalProvisionalstances provisional

Israel and the church remain distinct

Promises made to national Israel retain literal force and are not absorbed by the church.

Qualifies supersession: Jeremiah's new covenant is addressed to Israel and Judah.

Holds: Dispensational · Qualifies: Rabbinic Judaism, Catholic, Reformed · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000197 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-005Rabbinic JudaismProvisionalstances provisional

Torah is eternal and unabrogated

The Written Torah, read through the Oral Torah, remains binding; no later revelation replaces it.

Rejects any change of law and reads Psalm 110 without priestly-messianic transfer.

Holds: Rabbinic Judaism · Rejects: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Evangelical, Reformed, Dispensational, Latter-day Saint, Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000197 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-006Historical-criticalProvisionalstances provisional

Original context precedes reception

A text's meaning is first established in its historical setting; later reuse is reception history, not the text's own sense.

Separates what Psalm 110 meant in its royal setting from Hebrews' later application.

Holds: Historical-critical scholarship · Qualifies: Catholic, Rabbinic Judaism

Used by AM-CLAIM-000186 (strengthens) · reject it

AM-AX-007Rabbinic JudaismProvisionalstances provisional

The Oral Torah is authoritative

The Written Torah was given at Sinai together with an oral tradition of interpretation, transmitted through the sages, which determines its meaning and application.

Grounds reading Deuteronomy through the Talmud’s rulings on prophecy, interpretation and the sages’ authority.

Holds: Rabbinic Judaism · Rejects: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational, Latter-day Saint, Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000197 (strengthens), AM-CLAIM-000219 (required), AM-CLAIM-000247 (strengthens) · reject it

AM-AX-008Sunni and Shiʿi IslamProvisionalstances provisional

The Qurʾān is the final, authoritative revelation

The Qurʾān is God’s final revelation, confirming earlier scripture and standing as its guardian (muhaymin); what it teaches about earlier prophets is authoritative.

Grounds reading Ibrāhīm through the Qurʾān’s portrait of him rather than through Genesis.

Holds: Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Rejects: Rabbinic Judaism, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational, Latter-day Saint · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000225 (required), AM-CLAIM-000246 (required), AM-CLAIM-000246 (required), AM-CLAIM-000249 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-009Sunni and Shiʿi IslamProvisionalstances provisional

Earlier scriptures as transmitted are not wholly reliable

The Torah and the Gospel were revealed by God, but their text or their interpretation, as now held, has been altered (taḥrīf), so they do not override the Qurʾān.

Explains why the Qurʾān’s account governs where it differs from Genesis.

Holds: Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Qualifies: Latter-day Saint · Rejects: Rabbinic Judaism, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000246 (strengthens) · reject it

AM-AX-010Jewish and Christian traditionsProvisionalstances provisional

Genesis as received is an authoritative covenant charter

The received text of Genesis authoritatively records the terms and the line of God’s covenant with Abraham.

Grounds reading the covenant line through Isaac (Genesis 17:19–21).

Holds: Rabbinic Judaism, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational · Qualifies: Latter-day Saint · Rejects: Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000247 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-011Latter-day SaintProvisionalstances provisional

Continuing revelation and an open canon

God continues to reveal his will through living prophets; the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are scripture alongside the Bible.

Grounds the restoration accounts in Doctrine and Covenants 13 and 27, and the priesthood teaching of sections 84 and 107.

Holds: Latter-day Saint · Rejects: Rabbinic Judaism, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational, Sunni Islam, Shiʿi Islam · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000227 (required), AM-CLAIM-000269 (required), AM-CLAIM-000270 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-012Catholic and Eastern OrthodoxProvisionalstances provisional

Apostolic succession transmits authority

Authority given to the apostles is transmitted through an unbroken succession of bishops ordained by the laying on of hands.

Grounds the claim that no general loss of authority occurred after the apostles.

Holds: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox · Qualifies: Lutheran · Rejects: Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational, Latter-day Saint · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000199 (required), AM-CLAIM-000274 (required) · reject it

AM-AX-013ProtestantProvisionalstances provisional

Scripture alone is the final rule

Scripture is the only infallible rule of faith; no later tradition or revelation adds to it (sola scriptura).

Grounds reading Christ’s priesthood from Hebrews and 1 Peter without a sacerdotal office transmitted outside Scripture.

Holds: Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, Dispensational · Rejects: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Latter-day Saint · Sets aside: Historical-critical scholarship

Used by AM-CLAIM-000202 (required) · reject it

06 · 17 rival readings

Counter-models

AM-CM-001strongProvisional

Torah permanence

Rabbinic Judaism

No priesthood change abrogates the Torah; the Levitical order is suspended by the Temple's loss, not superseded.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000191 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000197 · relies on AM-AX-005 · denies AM-AX-001

AM-CM-002moderateProvisional

Israel-specific new covenant

Dispensational and post-supersessionist readings

The new covenant is addressed to Israel and Judah and its fulfilment for them is not exhausted by the church.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000191 · relies on AM-AX-004

AM-CM-003moderateProvisional

Rhetorical silence

Historical-critical scholarship

Hebrews 7:3 uses a known exegetical convention (quod non in thora non in mundo); it makes no claim about Melchizedek's nature.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000189 · relies on AM-AX-006 · denies AM-AX-002

AM-CM-004strongProvisional

Royal, not messianic-priestly

Historical-critical scholarship

Psalm 110 is a royal enthronement psalm granting a Jerusalem king Melchizedek-like priestly prerogatives.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000186 · relies on AM-AX-006

AM-CM-005minorityProvisional

Annulment in the time to come

An Amoraic dictum, read by later authorities

Permanence is qualified within rabbinic literature itself: “the commandments will be annulled in the time to come”.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000219 · relies on AM-AX-007

AM-CM-006strongProvisional

Fulfilment in Christ

Christian traditions

The Sinai covenant’s ceremonial provisions are fulfilled in Christ and no longer bind.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000219 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000221 · relies on AM-AX-001 · denies AM-AX-005, AM-AX-007

AM-CM-007strongProvisional

Successive revelations, successive laws

Sunni and Shiʿi Islam

God gives each community a law and a way; later revelation may lift or modify earlier precepts.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000219 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000225 · relies on AM-AX-008 · denies AM-AX-005

AM-CM-008strongProvisional

The law fulfilled in Christ (Restoration scripture)

Latter-day Saint

The law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ and its performances ended.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000219 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000227 · relies on AM-AX-011 · denies AM-AX-005

AM-CM-009strongProvisional

The covenant line through Isaac

Rabbinic Judaism (with Christian traditions on the Genesis text)

Genesis establishes the covenant with Isaac’s line; Ishmael is blessed but outside the covenant.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000246 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000247 · relies on AM-AX-010 · denies AM-AX-008, AM-AX-009

AM-CM-010strongProvisional

Abraham’s heirs by faith

Christian traditions

Those who share Abraham’s faith are his children, whatever their descent.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000247 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000248 · relies on AM-AX-001

AM-CM-011moderateProvisional

“Abrahamic religions” as a modern construct

Historical-critical scholarship

The category “Abrahamic religions” is a modern construct that can obscure how differently each tradition uses Abraham.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000246 · relies on AM-AX-006

AM-CM-012minorityProvisional

The seal as attestation

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

khātam al-nabiyyīn denotes the seal that attests and ratifies prophets, not the last in time; a non-law-bearing prophet subordinate to Muhammad remains possible.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000249 · relies on AM-AX-008

AM-CM-013strongProvisional

No general apostasy

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox

Apostolic authority continued through the succession of bishops; no general loss occurred.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000269 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000274 · relies on AM-AX-012 · denies AM-AX-011

AM-CM-014strongProvisional

Christ’s unique priesthood

Protestant traditions

Christ alone holds the Melchizedekian priesthood; believers share a common priesthood, and no office transmits another.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000270 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000202 · relies on AM-AX-013 · denies AM-AX-011, AM-AX-012

AM-CM-015moderateProvisional

A developing account

Historical-critical scholarship

The narratives of priesthood restoration took shape in documents of 1832–1835, after the events they describe.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000261 · relies on AM-AX-006

AM-CM-016strongProvisional

A ministerial priesthood

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox

The ordained ministry participates in Christ’s priesthood and differs in essence from the common priesthood.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000202 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000199 · relies on AM-AX-012 · denies AM-AX-013

AM-CM-017strongProvisional

The priesthood of all believers

Protestant traditions

All the baptized are priests; ordained ministers hold an office, not a distinct sacrificing priesthood.

Contests AM-CLAIM-000199 · recorded as position AM-CLAIM-000202 · relies on AM-AX-013 · denies AM-AX-012