Freethought & Rationalism Archive

gnosis92 · 03-28-2008, 01:48 PM

"The Bible Unearthed" by "Finkelstein, Israel and Neil Asher Silberman" is the one book that atheists and freethinkers refer to to debunk the OT.

I've wondered what other archaeologists in the field have thought, and one in OT studies writes here

http://www.denverseminary.edu/articl...ible-unearthed

-Jay- · 03-28-2008, 01:58 PM

A quick read of the review suggests that it's little more than a survey of Finkelstein's book, questioning each of Finkelstein's assertions with "the Bible says different".

The last paragraph was somewhat amusing:

Quote:

This book must be used with caution because it pretends to describe what we now really know about archaeology and how it contradicts various biblical claims; however, it does so in a biased and non-objective manner. Contrary opinions in interpreting the new evidence are not discussed, much less given a fair hearing. The book is ideologically driven and should be treated that way by any one who reads it.

Given the source of this review, the bolded portion above is somewhat ironic.

regards,

NinJay

Doug Shaver · 03-29-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnosis92

I've wondered what other archaeologists in the field have thought, and one in OT studies writes here

Hess is an archeologist? I don't think so.

http://www.denverseminary.edu/about-...richard-s-hess

gnosis92 · 03-29-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Shaver

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnosis92

I've wondered what other archaeologists in the field have thought, and one in OT studies writes here

Hess is an archeologist? I don't think so.

http://www.denverseminary.edu/about-...richard-s-hess

I don't know if he is or not, but other archeologists I mean what do they think of Bible Unearthed.

Acetylhexene · 03-29-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinJay

A quick read of the review suggests that it's little more than a survey of Finkelstein's book, questioning each of Finkelstein's assertions with "the Bible says different".

The last paragraph was somewhat amusing:

Quote:

This book must be used with caution because it pretends to describe what we now really know about archaeology and how it contradicts various biblical claims; however, it does so in a biased and non-objective manner. Contrary opinions in interpreting the new evidence are not discussed, much less given a fair hearing. The book is ideologically driven and should be treated that way by any one who reads it.

Given the source of this review, the bolded portion above is somewhat ironic.

regards,

NinJay

Joe Banks · 03-30-2008, 08:12 AM

Denver Seminary is a very conservative evangelical seminary. Look at the doctrinal statement that Hess is required to affirm annually.

Quote:

1. THE WORD OF GOD - We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, complete as the revelation of God's will for salvation, and the supreme and final authority in all matters to which they speak.

He has committed himself to an extremely limited worldview (the scriptures are the final authority on all matters to which they speak?)

If the Bible Unearthed or any source demonstrated that he was incorrect he would still have to publicly deny it, or lose his job. His reference to others as "ideologically driven" is rich.

Doug Shaver · 03-30-2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnosis92

but other archeologists I mean what do they think of Bible Unearthed.

I haven't done any kind of survey. However, the book has been out for several years now. If even a few of the respected people in the field had found fault with his methodology, I strongly suspect that by now I'd have heard about it one way or another.

That doesn't mean I assume that all the qualified experts agree with his conclusions. It just means that I think it likely that whether they agree or not, they haven't found any serious fault with the way he defends his conclusions.

yalla · 03-30-2008, 09:02 AM

Try
http://www.amazon.com/review/product...owViewpoints=1
For a review of "Archaeology and the Bible (or via: amazon.co.uk)" by John Laughlin, in my opinion a better book than "Bible Unearthed" and covers the same territory [thats a joke folks].
cheers
yalla

03-28-2008, 01:48 PM	#1
gnosis92 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: usa Posts: 3,103	A critical review of "The Bible Unearthed" by a phD Professor of Old Testament "The Bible Unearthed" by "Finkelstein, Israel and Neil Asher Silberman" is the one book that atheists and freethinkers refer to to debunk the OT. I've wondered what other archaeologists in the field have thought, and one in OT studies writes here http://www.denverseminary.edu/articl...ible-unearthed

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03-30-2008, 09:02 AM	#8
yalla Veteran Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: oz Posts: 1,848	Try http://www.amazon.com/review/product...owViewpoints=1 For a review of "Archaeology and the Bible (or via: amazon.co.uk)" by John Laughlin, in my opinion a better book than "Bible Unearthed" and covers the same territory [thats a joke folks]. cheers yalla

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