stephan huller

Only an imbecile couldn't see the questions they ask are leading. The questions are always/often directed at weaknesses in the 'foundation of truth' of Church doctrine. Those arguing for mythicism for instance do so IMO not because they 'just happen' to be interested in the role that myth played in early Christian tradition but overtly to disprove the existence of Jesus.

And we aren't talking about 'secular scholarship' but rather the encouragement of scholars who begin with the assumption that God doesn't exist and proceed to develop crafty arguments solely for the purpose of embarrassing religion. I am not defending the current state of religious scholarship. I am more inclined to put a padlock on the humanities departments and encourage our youth to study science and mathematics so that they can actually become productive members of the world economy.

PhilosopherJay

Hi DrJim,

Interesting stuff, thanks.

I imagine evangelical scholars being active in SBL is pretty much equivalent to letting astrologists into an astronomy group. Astrologists would attract a bigger audience perhaps and write some interesting papers about how Napoleon was born when a certain constellation was at some point in the sky, but ultimately I don't see how it could advance astronomy. Starting from the proposition that an invisible holy force is responsible for the biblical texts or that descriptions of miracles are descriptions of historical events that actually took place is not going to advance anybody's knowledge of the bible one iota.

Warmly,

Jay Raskin

DrJim

P. Jay,
My sentiments exactly, except a some evangelicals (and LOTS of liberal Christians and Jews) do actually have things to contribute in some areas, such as linguistics. Not everything they think and say about ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek is "tainted" by their religious beliefs. The problem, of course, is the Big Picture in terms of the origins, meanings and relevance of the biblical material, and there I think academic groups need to be less accommodating without being so hostile to belief that they chase away even those who can bracket out their beliefs and contribute to a secular study.