The Bible and history

Are you a sincere seeker who has questions about Christianity, or a Christian with doubts about your faith? Post them here to receive a thoughtful response.
Post Reply
ultimate777
Senior Member
Posts: 736
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2011 2:06 am
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Undecided

The Bible and history

Post by ultimate777 »

I have been hearing things like the below for many years.
What do you think of this? Is it true?


"Archaeologist William Dever explained in an interview with PBS several years ago:
"We want to make the Bible history. Many people think it has to be history or nothing.
But there is no word for history in the Hebrew Bible. In other words, what did the
biblical writers think they were doing? Writing objective history? No. That's a modern
discipline. They were telling stories. They wanted you to know what these purported
events mean."



I think it means they were not into inerrancy all that much.
PaulSacramento
Board Moderator
Posts: 9224
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:29 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Theistic Evolution
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: The Bible and history

Post by PaulSacramento »

ultimate777 wrote:I have been hearing things like the below for many years.
What do you think of this? Is it true?


"Archaeologist William Dever explained in an interview with PBS several years ago:
"We want to make the Bible history. Many people think it has to be history or nothing.
But there is no word for history in the Hebrew Bible. In other words, what did the
biblical writers think they were doing? Writing objective history? No. That's a modern
discipline. They were telling stories. They wanted you to know what these purported
events mean."



I think it means they were not into inerrancy all that much.
The problem is that not every book of the bible was history.
User avatar
Byblos
Old School
Posts: 6024
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:21 pm
Christian: Yes
Location: NY

Re: The Bible and history

Post by Byblos »

PaulSacramento wrote:
ultimate777 wrote:I have been hearing things like the below for many years.
What do you think of this? Is it true?


"Archaeologist William Dever explained in an interview with PBS several years ago:
"We want to make the Bible history. Many people think it has to be history or nothing.
But there is no word for history in the Hebrew Bible. In other words, what did the
biblical writers think they were doing? Writing objective history? No. That's a modern
discipline. They were telling stories. They wanted you to know what these purported
events mean."



I think it means they were not into inerrancy all that much.
The problem is that not every book of the bible was history.
The problem is that at the time they didn't know it was history, they thought they were writing on contemporary events. :D
Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
PaulSacramento
Board Moderator
Posts: 9224
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:29 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Theistic Evolution
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: The Bible and history

Post by PaulSacramento »

Byblos wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
ultimate777 wrote:I have been hearing things like the below for many years.
What do you think of this? Is it true?


"Archaeologist William Dever explained in an interview with PBS several years ago:
"We want to make the Bible history. Many people think it has to be history or nothing.
But there is no word for history in the Hebrew Bible. In other words, what did the
biblical writers think they were doing? Writing objective history? No. That's a modern
discipline. They were telling stories. They wanted you to know what these purported
events mean."



I think it means they were not into inerrancy all that much.
The problem is that not every book of the bible was history.
The problem is that at the time they didn't know it was history, they thought they were writing on contemporary events. :D
Pslams is history? Ecclesiastic is history?
User avatar
PeteSinCA
Valued Member
Posts: 388
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 5:59 am
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Young-Earth Creationist
Location: Silicon Valley

Re: The Bible and history

Post by PeteSinCA »

You can play whatever word games you like to define a duck as non-existent, but it's still going to quack, paddle and swim.
Soapy Pete's Box

So I'll stand // With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One Who gave it all - The Stand, Hillsong United

"To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give.
To show us the reason to live."
"We Are the Reason" by David Meece

"So why should I worry?
Why should I fret?
'Cause I've got a Mansion Builder
Who ain't through with me yet" - 2nd Chapter of Acts
Post Reply