Lesson 13 - Introduction to Historical (Higher) Criticism
PPT Handout Link
Hello, everyone!
Last Thursday night we began our introduction to Historical Criticism. During the class I asked you to imagine yourself as one of your children or grandchildren who had just arrived at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for class. I also asked you to imagine you had chosen to take an elective course called "Introduction to the New Testament" taught by Professor Bart D. Ehrman. (a professing agnostic, if not atheist)
Using the first chapter of Ehrman's book "Jesus, Interrupted", I proceeded to give an opening lecture on the importance and impact of Higher Criticism on the generally naive views of the text of not only the New Testament, but the Bible overall. As an average, unaware Christian student, I would fully expect you to be taken by surprise by many, if not most, of the content presented. I think it would be safe to assume that most college students who profess Christianity would be taken by surprise and shocked by the content of the lecture. Thus, we find ourselves appropriately situated for the study ahead.
Our children and grandchildren, not to mention ourselves, are generally unprepared intellectually to encounter the strong opposition to the Christian faith that is so readily presented in the university setting. And just like what we have done through our study of Science and Lower Criticism, we will look deep into the objective evidences available in Higher Criticism which will serve to further solidify our Christian worldview and intellectual case for faith (justified trust) in God.
Next Class
Please make sure you bring your Bible's with you. We are going to begin studying the parallel passages given in the various gospel accounts. We will spend time looking at the similarities and differences between them. We will also take time to make note of any questions or concerns you may have with their respective accounts. I think it will be a very informative study; one which will better prepare us to understand the defend "...against the arguments set up against the knowledge of God."
I look forward to our time together!
Blessings!
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Lesson 9 - Lower Historical Criticism (Textual Criticism) Wrap-Up
Lesson 9 PPT
On Thursday night we did a wrap-up of our study over the last 5 to 6 months. And I must say that I was very impressed with your ability to recall and recite the content of our study.
I have included a link (on the left under "Key Documents") to the PPT we used on Thursday night. For those of you who do not have Microsoft PowerPoint you can download a free office suite suite which will give you the ability to view it. It is a trustworthy organization. You should not have any fear with downloading and using the software. (Click the link HERE.)
In short, our conclusion, based on our past 5 months of research, is that there is no rational reason to discard the text (very words) of the writings which compose the New Testament. In fact, even the most well-known and vocal textual critic of the New Testament (Bart Ehrman) concedes that we do have, in all essentials, the words written by authors. He also concedes that no key doctrine of Christianity is undermined by any textual variant when taken in context of all gospel accounts. Instead, we determined that, according to his own words, the ultimate reason for abandoning his Christian faith is his inability to reconcile God's existence with the presence of pain and suffering in the world. That is a valid concern which we will pick up at a later time.
As we discussed on Thursday we will now transition to "Higher Criticism" and ask the question, "Are the accounts given in the New Testament historically trustworthy?" This will be a long and difficult study, but I commend you all on your dedication to this endeavor. I am seeing incredible fruit being developed as we continue to ask and not shy away from the hard questions of our faith.
See you all Thursday night!
Blessings,
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
Lesson 9 PPT
On Thursday night we did a wrap-up of our study over the last 5 to 6 months. And I must say that I was very impressed with your ability to recall and recite the content of our study.
I have included a link (on the left under "Key Documents") to the PPT we used on Thursday night. For those of you who do not have Microsoft PowerPoint you can download a free office suite suite which will give you the ability to view it. It is a trustworthy organization. You should not have any fear with downloading and using the software. (Click the link HERE.)
In short, our conclusion, based on our past 5 months of research, is that there is no rational reason to discard the text (very words) of the writings which compose the New Testament. In fact, even the most well-known and vocal textual critic of the New Testament (Bart Ehrman) concedes that we do have, in all essentials, the words written by authors. He also concedes that no key doctrine of Christianity is undermined by any textual variant when taken in context of all gospel accounts. Instead, we determined that, according to his own words, the ultimate reason for abandoning his Christian faith is his inability to reconcile God's existence with the presence of pain and suffering in the world. That is a valid concern which we will pick up at a later time.
As we discussed on Thursday we will now transition to "Higher Criticism" and ask the question, "Are the accounts given in the New Testament historically trustworthy?" This will be a long and difficult study, but I commend you all on your dedication to this endeavor. I am seeing incredible fruit being developed as we continue to ask and not shy away from the hard questions of our faith.
See you all Thursday night!
Blessings,
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
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