Lo Ba-shamayim Hi

“Lo ba-shamayim hi is not an intrinsically revolutionary doctrine; if anything it is a conservative one. It may have relevance in contemporary halachic discourse, for example to counter any quasi-oracular interpretation of the concept of Daat Torah. But it places pesak firmly in the context of interpretation and consensus…lo ba-shamayim hi, along with the rabbinic insistence that “Prophets may not innovate,” is directed against a revolutionary by-passing of text, precedent, and consensus in the name of a “Heavenly Voice.””

Creativity and Innovation in Halachah