Approaching the Bible Academically (not just in the Academy)

Christopher Skinner shares an experience of interacting with a colleague who doesn’t think that personal faith and critical study of the Bible can be kept separate. I would comment that, even if the colleague is right, to be unable to separate the two need not mean that one’s faith tradition is allowed to override critical/academic methods. It is possible instead to be a person of faith but to accept that, in light of critical study of the Bible, you will have to change your mind about many things you once assumed.

Inside Higher Ed turns its eye to the King James Version of the Bible, which is currently getting much attention since this year is the 400th anniversary of its publication.

Rod of Alexandria suggests that, because the Bible is inherently religious, it should not be in public school curricula even as literature.

Dănuţ Mănăstireanu shares some quotes from Al Mohler, who is right that most Christians don’t know the Bible in much depth or detail, but wrong if he things that greater familiarity will not likely lead people to ask more difficult questions, rather than simply feel like they have discovered answers. Adam Kirsch has an article on this tubject in Tablet.

Arni Zachariassen talks about creationism, cosmetic surgery, and toxic dichotomies.

Otagosh shares a quote about growing up and the God of one’s childhood.

J. D. Smith shares an experience of coming to see one’s faith tradition and religious community in a new, and far more negative, light.

A blogger at Eerdmans shares impressions of Jodi Magness’ new book, Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus.

Finally, I want to express appreciation for a blog post by Neil Godfrey. It contains two quotes from Justin Martyr the wording of which had slipped my mind, and which may provide indication that Justin was aware primarily of the story in the Gospel of Mark – and perhaps its missing ending – whether in written form or orally. That version of events, in which the disciples disperse and return to Galilee, and only regather later after some sort of religious experience, is hinted at in Mark and in John 21 and found in the Gospel of Peter. I’m grateful to Neil Godfrey for drawing my attention to another source that may provide relevant evidence, if and when I return my attention to this subject.