neilgodfrey

What's with this word "serious" I keep reading in formal and informal discussions of biblical studies? (Not speaking only of iidb - I'm sure it's more common in academic publications and discussions.)

Many times I read someone speaking of "serious scholars". Is this not simply another backhanded ad hominem?

Often I read of someone taking certain passages in texts "seriously", some even "fully seriously", with the implied result that their conclusions or interpretations carry more weight by virtue of the "seriousness" with which the scholar approached them. Is not this just another attempt at argument by implied authority of the "more serious" scholar, an arrogant dismissal of other views without having to "seriously" debate them?

Will this post be taken seriously?

Neil Godfrey

http://vridar.wordpress.com

Chris Weimer

Seriousness implies that they've taken the time and effort to go through the accepted means, i.e. to obtain a Masters/Ph.D., publishes through refereed journals, and/or sends their books, once they've completed the first two requirements, to academic journals for review.

neilgodfrey

i see it a lot in academic publications directed at other academics though

Nazaroo

Are you serious?


But seriously, I think you are right that academics try to out-serious one another in their stoic seriousness.

The whole rhetorical technique used here needs a serious review and an overhaul.

If it isn't stopped soon, things could get so serious that no one will be taken seriously, even when they are being serious.

The situation already appears grave.

Ted Hoffman

"Serious" implies scholars who agree with the poster. The other explanations is BS.

mountainman

The bible-as-we-know-it was first published by
a supreme imperial (Roman) mafia thug, etc, etc ...

"'Weight' was the quality they most respected;

'Gravitas' was the typical Roman virtue.

By 'gravitas' they meant
the type of personality that must be taken seriously;
they were serious men themselves and they demanded
that they should be treated with respect."

--- The Roman Character, SPQR; Kennedy & White (1944)

LoungeHead

The term serious acts as reinforcement term for the author. It is a kind of reminder that allows them to contradict the absurdity of Biblical study. Biblical study at its fundamental is the examination of fantasy, where its authors are equally unfathomable. The equivalent of a School of Biblical Studies is a School of Tolkein Studies or School of Star Trek Studies, but without knowledge of the creators and authors.

In order for an author of biblical studies to take themselves seriously, and not be reminded that they are dedicating ridiculously excessive time and energy to the examination of one book and cultural paradigm amongst millions, they tell themselves that discussion is "serious". :redface:

youngalexander

Where is Boro Nut when we need him?

Yellum Notnef

BC&H has been more than amusing enough lately without the help of professional comics.

Chili

It's all about their level of thinking. When one doesn't know something thinking is required to come up with an answer and these guys are thinking very hard.