The article "The Theologies of the Old Testament," by Fr. John McKenzie, S.J., spoke about the three most prevalent and identifiable theologies seen in the Pentateuch.
The first major theology seen is termed the "theology of the Jahwist." It is principally characterized by ties to the Southern Kingdom of Judea, being very monarchic in thought. It sees YHWH in very anthropomorphic terms, viewing God with human features and emotions. This suggests an outlook of intimacy between man and God, as well as political and social prosperity during the sources time of origin.
The second theology of importance is called the "theology of northern Israel," or "Elohist" theology. It is a more conservative theology, that is, it seeks to preserve an extra-political understanding of God. To the Elohists, government is not necessary for the continuation of Jewish worship, but rather fidelity to the traditional practices of worshiping and living. Elohism strives to avoid an anthropomorphic understanding of God to ward off any assimilation of the surrounding "carnal" theologies of other Semitic peoples.
The third theology is the "theology of Deuteronomy." Initially attributed to Moses, it is now thought by most biblical scholars to originate some six hundred year after Moses, during the Assyrian crisis. This theological source tries to make relevant to the then-current situation of the Assyrian threat the idea of "love election" of the chosen race of God. As the "chosen," the laws and history of Israel must be seen as having equal weight and importance to that generation. The covenant made with the people of the Law is made anew with the chosen people because of its identity as chosen.
The article finishes with a caution. As Old Testament theology was fully realized because it was not allowed to "crystallize" in any stage of it's development, so also should Catholic theology be wary of "adhesion to traditions" that hamper it's ability to respond to history.
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