Historians shake their heads over the fact that each generation seems oblivious to the lessons learned by earlier ones. Significant events and very important people leave little impression on those who follow. Even the life and accomplishments of Jesus have faded. People still ask: Is the Bible true?
More and more, anthropologists and archaeologists use the writings of the Hebrews to understand ancient times and races. The accounts, called by Christians the Old Testament, become increasingly important as new discoveries are made. In 2005, guided by Old Testament accounts, an archaeologist found the remains of King David's palace. The very existence of Israel's most famous king was not confirmed until his name was found on an ancient stone discovered in 1993.
Contrary to popular belief, science also validates the scriptures. The Book of Isaiah, which scholars date centuries before the birth of Christ, tells us that the earth is round. The 'flat earth' theory was mandated as truth until the end of the Middle Ages; to say otherwise was considered heresy, a violation of the very Holy Writ that tells us the truth scientists later proved.
The Book of Job, which is considered symbolic rather than historic by many, nevertheless tells us that springs of fresh water lie deep under the oceans, that light is a spectrum of colors, and that plants make their food from sunlight. All of these statements have been validated by scientists over the centuries and are common knowledge today.
Today it's almost automatic to say that those who believe in the truth of scripture ignore the evidence of science. However, the reverse is actually true. Those who cling to 'random chance' theories and macro-evolution are ignoring things like the discovery of DNA. Scientists often begin to wonder about things they read in the scriptures. One example is Matthew Maury, who became intrigued by the 'paths of the sea' in Psalm 8. A sailor familiar with the world's oceans, he began to look for these and found the Gulf Stream (not a new discovery but new for him).
The Smithsonian Institute is not regarded as a supporter of Christianity, but this prestigious organization has issued a statement calling biblical records the most accurate that we have. In comparison with those of other ancient civilizations - Greek, Egyptian, Mesopotamian - they are more reliable. Modern archaeology both uses the scriptures and validates them.
Another branch of scholarship that relies on the Hebrew scriptures is anthropology. In the historical accounts of the nation of Israel, both Hebrew and neighboring kings are listed in chronological order, which agrees with other historical records and inscriptions. The Jewish people group is shown to be over 3,000 years old; it is still coherent even after centuries of dispersal and persecution.
The study of scripture to prove its truth is called Apologetics. This fascinating subject gained new impetus when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, analyzed, and found to authenticate the translations that had come down through the ages.
More and more, anthropologists and archaeologists use the writings of the Hebrews to understand ancient times and races. The accounts, called by Christians the Old Testament, become increasingly important as new discoveries are made. In 2005, guided by Old Testament accounts, an archaeologist found the remains of King David's palace. The very existence of Israel's most famous king was not confirmed until his name was found on an ancient stone discovered in 1993.
Contrary to popular belief, science also validates the scriptures. The Book of Isaiah, which scholars date centuries before the birth of Christ, tells us that the earth is round. The 'flat earth' theory was mandated as truth until the end of the Middle Ages; to say otherwise was considered heresy, a violation of the very Holy Writ that tells us the truth scientists later proved.
The Book of Job, which is considered symbolic rather than historic by many, nevertheless tells us that springs of fresh water lie deep under the oceans, that light is a spectrum of colors, and that plants make their food from sunlight. All of these statements have been validated by scientists over the centuries and are common knowledge today.
Today it's almost automatic to say that those who believe in the truth of scripture ignore the evidence of science. However, the reverse is actually true. Those who cling to 'random chance' theories and macro-evolution are ignoring things like the discovery of DNA. Scientists often begin to wonder about things they read in the scriptures. One example is Matthew Maury, who became intrigued by the 'paths of the sea' in Psalm 8. A sailor familiar with the world's oceans, he began to look for these and found the Gulf Stream (not a new discovery but new for him).
The Smithsonian Institute is not regarded as a supporter of Christianity, but this prestigious organization has issued a statement calling biblical records the most accurate that we have. In comparison with those of other ancient civilizations - Greek, Egyptian, Mesopotamian - they are more reliable. Modern archaeology both uses the scriptures and validates them.
Another branch of scholarship that relies on the Hebrew scriptures is anthropology. In the historical accounts of the nation of Israel, both Hebrew and neighboring kings are listed in chronological order, which agrees with other historical records and inscriptions. The Jewish people group is shown to be over 3,000 years old; it is still coherent even after centuries of dispersal and persecution.
The study of scripture to prove its truth is called Apologetics. This fascinating subject gained new impetus when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, analyzed, and found to authenticate the translations that had come down through the ages.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire