Dear anonymous (It would really nice to have a name to give here):

You point is an interesting one. My take on the OT is that it does speak to the fundamental monotheism of Judaism (in contrast to the polytheism of their surroundings) and does so from a somewhat diverse set of perspectives or angles, but not in a way that detracts from a call to be God's people with a distinct law and ethos, as wll as a promise and hope that God will move afresh among His people one day. Thus the "center" of OT is not merely Jesus, at least as it is moving into the Second Temple period. I agree with you about what motivates Jesusology for some, but there is a wing that simply wants to "defang" any unique Christian claims.

As to what causes people to move between theological paradigms (from one to another), this is a complex question involving many elements (some I have alluded to above in terms of claims associated with religious truths). I also think how history works is far more complex than many on either side of the debate acknowledge. And so we press on to appreciate the Bible, its depth and its milieu.

dlb