The Bible as a record of historical fact.

[ANDY-J]

The christian will argue that the bible is ,in it's entirety,the word of God.There are of course theological insights within the bible which can only be dealt with in these terms.However as a historian I believe it to be a historical record of the Jewish people recorded with an accuracy which is nothing short of remarkable.Archaelogical research confirms many of the events described within the bible.Excavations earlier this century at Ur in Iraq revealed a ten foot layer of clay containing marine crustaceans which was deposited around 4000BC.This can only have been caused by a massive inundation of sea water and this supports the biblical account of the flood.Whereas however the bible states that Noah and his family were the only survivors the archaelogy reveals that a technologically advanced culture arrived almost immediately after the floodwaters had receded.Archealogical research at Jericho meanwhile reveals that the surrounding walls actually collapsed at least seventeen times during the Bronze age,as a result of erosion or earthquake.This weakness of the walls of Jericho finds expression in the bible where the children of Israel merely had to blow their trumpets for the walls to collapse.The door into the historical world of the old testament has been opened by numerous archaelogical excavations.Places and towns are being excavated in Palestine which lie where the bible locates them and resemble the way in which the bible describes them.There is a mass of authentic and well attested evidence available.The inescapable truth is that the bible IS right after all.

[mackiernan]

Sorry, Andy. I just can't buy that. Some of the things in the bible may be true, as it the nature of the human beast to record things of significance, but too many "stories" contradict each other.

[ANDY-J]

Mackiernan.
The majority of the events recorded in the old testament have been confirmed by archaelogy.The Israelites were only one of the many cultures which emerged in the area known as the fertile crescent and they were not alone in recording their history.There are contemporary Summerian and Babylonian texts which confirm the historical accuracy of many biblical events.The most famous is the Babylonian 'Epic of Gilgemesh'which relates an account that mirrors almost exactly the biblical story of Noah and the flood.
Many christian fundamentalists accept the literal interpretation of the bible as God's word.It is my belief however that a great many biblical scriptures have an allegorical meaning.They are written in the light of the Jewish people's relationship with God and from the point of view of their own guilt and prejudices.The 'Song of Solomon'for example clearly has an allegorical purpose.It employs erotica to symbolically represent God's love for the children of Israel.Archaeology has illuminated the historical situations out of which the old testament grew.Reading it will not in my opinion guarantee any one's salvation however I do believe that it's theological insights may guide an individual to achieve a more enlightened spiritual attitude.

[naebo_s]

"the Bible is less than History and More than History" prof. W Johnstone

The Bible esp the hebrew canon is not intended to be history as we percieveit. It is a cultural document. Yes there are historical events that can be traced such as the flood. But in the Bible that is of the whole world. The is not evidence to support this. But if we see it from the perspective of those ho experienced it it was the whole world to them. The flood had those catastophic effect for a number of people and attatched is religious significance.

On archaeological excavations of Jerico, yes Jerico ws found but the walls (at Jerico) were not as may be pictured. There seems to be a confusion between Jerico and another place where Jerico had come to symbolise.

A good example of this symbolic history can be found in the creation story. The historical facts purported to be that God created the earth and man etc and that through our actions we have a broken relationship with God.

The Bible is not inteded to be a modern record of historical events (nor-I dare incurr the wrath of minister-is it the word of God. Mans witness to Gods revelation may be more apt). It is a book that includes history, includes poetry, song, rules, song, erotica, letters, prophecy, and philosophy of varying types. Certainly one of, if not the, greatest pieces of literature known to man.

[Rachel_E]

As always, I agree with many of things said, and I disagree with some also. I recently watched a program, and of course I'm an idiot and have no recollection of the title, but it was not a Judeo-Christian based film by any means, but an historical and archaeological piece. And I learned a lot of things that Andy mentioned. There are not many scientists, historians, or archaeologists who disagree with many of the things in the Bible. It is amazing because more and more, things that were written in the Bible have been proven.

As far as contradictory stories, I want to know examples. I have yet to find contradictions in the Bible. But please enlighten me. And if by chance, you sway me, fine. But maybe I'll have an explanation for you as well. As for Song of Solomon, yes, some people do believe it's symbolism to God's love for Israel. However, the majority of the Judeo-Christian community believe it to be a literal story. Solomon wrote concerning his deep love for his new wife (never mind the fact that he had over 100 others--ha ha) and many believe that it is included in the Bible to show that romance and sex is not strictly for procreation, but that God designed it for pleasure and to bring a man and woman closer together.

Well, have a great day everyone!
Rachel